Northwest Observer / June 17 - 30, 2021 by pscommunications

June 17 - 30, 2021

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Towns tap reserve funds to A tribute to our fathers pay for major projects next year

Summerfield’s budget for the

IN THIS ISSUE News in brief ...........................................................2 Rules to allow higher-density housing ...............3 Your Questions .......................................................4 Summerfield Town Council meeting ..................8 Oak Ridge Town Council meeting ...................10 Stokesdale Town Council meeting...................14 NWO Business & Real Estate ..............................17 Where are the workers? .....................................18 Ask The Builder ................................................... 20

...continued on p. 6

Business/Real Estate news/briefs..................22, 26 NWO Kids’ Korner ............................................. 28 Northern Athletes of the Year ....................30 Student Profiles ............................................ 30 Soccer coach becomes athletic director..34 High school sports highlights........................ 35 Community Calendar ......................................36 Grins and Gripes ................................................ 40 Crime/Incident Report .......................................42 Classifieds ........................................................43 Index of Advertisers ..............................47 NWO On The Go ................... 48

...continued on p. 37

20 21

NW GUILFORD – Summerfield and Oak Ridge plan to spend a combined $4 million of savings next fiscal year to pay for what town leaders say are once-in-a-generation projects.

“My dad, James Proctor, has been a guiding force in my life in multiple ways. From a very early age, I remember his favorite thing to tell my brothers and I before we left the house to go out with friends, drive to work, etc., was, “don’t put yourself in harm’s way.” That very simple statement (which I have used with my daughter, Carly, multiple times) has

IS TH SU I E S

by CHRIS BURRITT, PATTI STOKES

fiscal year starting July 1 appropriates $3.32 million from the town’s fund balance for development and construction of the new town hall. In Oak Ridge, the budget draws $712,623 from the town’s reserves to help cover capital investments, including initial development of Heritage Farm Park as an extension of Town Park.

with more in our July 1 issue.

Cl as so f IN

Leaders draw from fund balances to pay for new town hall in Summerﬁeld, expansion of Town Park in Oak Ridge, and town park improvements in Stokesdale

If we’ve been blessed with a loving father, we understand the deep and lasting impact their love and guidance can have on our lives. And if their time on this earth has passed, we also realize how their influence remains. On this Father’s Day, June 20, we honor all the dads, granddads, and father role models who are, and always will be, close to our hearts. We also thank those who responded immediately when we reached out and asked for them to share some thoughts about their fathers – as is often the case, we got more responses than we could fit into the space we had, so we’ll gladly continue

NEWS in brief

Property owners seek voluntary annexation into Oak Ridge by CHRIS BURRITT

OAK RIDGE – The town of Oak Ridge is preparing to expand its boundaries by accepting the voluntary annexation requests of about 60 property owners who live south of town limits. Oak Ridge received about 90 voluntary annexation petitions; after reviewing the requests, the town expects to declare about two-thirds of them to be valid, Town Manager Bill Bruce told the Town Council earlier this month. The council has scheduled a special called meeting June 29 to consider the annexation requests. Newly annexed property owners will pay property taxes to Oak Ridge, with payment of their first tax bill due

Dec. 31, Mayor Ann Schneider wrote in a March 26 letter announcing plans to accept voluntary annexations. The state legislature doesn’t allow municipalities to seek involuntary annexations of property, Schneider noted. Town staff hasn’t determined precisely how much Oak Ridge will collect in property taxes from the new property owners. Taxpayers pay eight cents per $100 of property valuation, which translates into annual taxes of $80 for property valued at $100,000 and $400 for property valued at $500,000. Newly annexed property owners will have all the privileges of other Oak Ridge residents, including voting in town elections, serving on committees, and

Photo by Yvonne Truhon/NWO

The town of Oak Ridge is considering expanding its boundaries by accepting the voluntary annexation of about 60 property owners. Those annexed into the town will pay Oak Ridge property taxes, be governed by the town’s development ordinances and regulations, be eligible to vote in municipal elections and to run for a town council seat. being eligible to run for elected office in Oak Ridge, confirmed Town Clerk Sandra Smith. They will be governed by the town’s planning and zoning regulations, and they will get the same garbage and recycling rates as other residents because the town contracts for those services.

“If your property is in the Town of Oak Ridge, it can never be annexed into Greensboro, Kernersville or any other city and be subject to their property taxes, zoning ordinances or other laws,” Schneider said.

... News Briefs continued on p. 5

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Development rules revised to allow higher-density housing by CHRIS BURRITT

SUMMERFIED – After nearly a decade of deliberations, Summerfield Town Council voted earlier this month to amend development rules to allow for higher density housing. The 439-page unified development ordinance (UDO) adopted by the council in a 4-to-1 vote has several higherdensity provisions proposed by council members Reece Walker and Lynne W. DeVaney that include: 1. Increasing the overall density from 0.73 to 1 unit per acre in all residential zoning districts, allowing for smaller lots; 2. Giving developers a “density bonus” in residential areas offering the option for houses that meet the town’s definition of “moderately priced housing;” 3. Reducing the minimum size of lots for quadplexes, defined as a structure

with the outward appearance of a single-family home that actually contains four separate dwelling units; 4. Eliminating the requirement that open space in residential developments contain at least 30 percent buildable land; 5. Removing the exclusion of overhead utility easements from land that qualifies as open space. Adoption of the UDO ended nine years of efforts by town staff and the council, the Zoning Board and a citizens’ advisory committee to rewrite regulations governing residential and commercial development in Summerfield. During the June 8 town council meeting, Walker and DeVaney joined Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and Councilman John O’Day in voting to adopt the UDO, which goes into effect July 1. Council member Teresa Perryman voted against it. In a public hearing before the vote,

several residents voiced support for and opposition to the revised regulations. Some of the proponents said they back a proposal by developer David Couch to expand Summerfield Farms with a mix of businesses and housing priced from $250,000 to $2 million. An opponent of higher density, Jared Williams said he and some other Summerfield residents “live here for a reason: we like that there is no overcrowding of our neighborhoods and roads.”

“We don’t want overcrowded neighborhoods, more traffic lights or busy, wider roads,” he said. “If we did, then we would move to Greensboro.” Proponents said relaxing density requirements would encourage

development of more affordable housing for first-time homebuyers, middleincome families and seniors wanting to downsize from big houses. Providing a range of housing options is a goal of Summerfield’s comprehensive plan. In April, Town Attorney Bob Hornik said the UDO, as proposed at that time, left Summerfield vulnerable to discrimination lawsuits alleging a lack of affordable housing.

“Many of us want a more inclusive community and we want zoning that provides housing in a variety of price points,” homeowner Kevin Kenjarski said. “To have people come up here and say that they can’t stay in this community is a real problem.”

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

This unﬁnished house at the corner of Haw River and Warren Roads has a new owner.

What’s going on with the huge unfinished house on Haw River Road in Oak Ridge? Awhile back it looked like there was some work being done on it, but that’s stopped. The house, which is located at 8505 Warner Road, was sold on Sept. 24, 2020 to 8505 Warner Rd LLC for $750,000. Established Sept. 17, 2020, the LLC lists Bilal Hamze as the principal agent and has a Cary, North Carolina mailing address. Kernersville resident James Floyd started construction on the home in the summer of 2015 under his company JF Homes, LLC. When we last wrote about this house in 2018, we were told by an employee in the Guilford County Permitting and Inspections Department that the last inspection was on Oct. 17, 2017, and the building permit had since expired. Before construction can resume, a new building permit will be required.

According to the Realtor’s property description, the 9,700-square-foot house was sold “at its current state of construction.” Sitting on 5.08 acres, the house has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. There is also an indoor pool, two theaters – one with 30 seats and a balcony – two exercise rooms, multiple kitchens, a bowling alley, three bonus rooms and a two-story library. It was rumored the property was in foreclosure, but that was false. The original owner was the seller. Phone calls to Hamze were unanswered and we were not able to obtain details of the new owner’s plans.

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Nathan and Ivy Midkiff of Stokesdale are in the process of an infant domestic adoption, and are asking for the community’s support. To learn more about the Midkiffs’ adoption story or support them, visit https:// give.classy.org/nathanandivy Donations to support the Midkiffs can also be made through Woven Papyrus Adoption Project and mailed to 2640 Willard Dairy Road #102, High Point, NC 27265

NEWS in brief ...continued from p. 2

I heard RidgeFest will be held this fall at Oak Ridge Town Park – is that true?

Candidate ﬁling period nears

Yes, it’s true, RidgeFest organizer and Merchants of Oak Ridge member Randy Floss confirmed. MOR partners with the Town of Oak Ridge to offer the annual event which is typically held in late May or early June; as with many events, it was cancelled last year because of COVID. Floss said it will be back this year, Sept. 9, 10 and 11. And, it will be better than ever, with a new ride vendor bringing some “really cool rides,” more food trucks, live music (Radio Revolver, a four-member cover band “with heart” based in Greensboro will be one of the bands performing) and much more. “We’re ready to blow it out in this post-COVID era!” Floss said. In keeping with tradition, there will be a fireworks display in the park on the last night of RidgeFest. Since that will fall on Sept. 11, a special tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of that day in 2001 is planned. File photo Look for more details about RidgeFest in future The annual RidgeFest celebraissues of the Northwest Observer, at Facebook.com/ tion in Oak Ridge Town Park merchantsofoakridge and at www.oakridgenc.com. will return Sept. 9, 10 and 11.

NW GUILFORD – The period for candidate filing in Guilford County will open Friday, July 2, at noon and close Friday, July 16, at noon. The filing fee for candidates running for office in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale is $5. In Oak Ridge, two of five town council seats will be open – those of Ann Schneider, who currently serves as mayor, and of Jim Kinneman. Schneider and Kinneman have both confirmed they will run for another fouryear term. In Oak Ridge, the five council members elect the mayor from among themselves every two years at the December meeting following the municipal election. Stokesdale Town Council has four members who are elected to four-year

by PATTI STOKES

terms on a staggered schedule and the mayor, who is also elected directly by the citizens and serves a four-year term; in Stokesdale the mayor votes on all matters that come before the council. The mayor’s seat, currently held by John Flynt, and the council seat currently held by Thearon Hooks will both be on the ballot this November. Hooks said he will “absolutely not” be running for re-election; Flynt has not announced whether he will run for re-election. And in Summerfield, the mayor serves a two-year term, so the mayor’s seat will be open as well as two seats on the five-member town council; in Summerfield the mayor votes on matters before the council only if/when there is a tie. Mayor BJ Barnes has not announced whether he will run for a second two-year term.

...continued on p. 6

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TOWNS TAP RESERVE FUNDS ...continued from p. 1 Earlier this month, the two town councils approved the spending plans, which left unchanged property taxes of 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation in Summerfield and 8 cents per $100 of assessed property value in Oak Ridge.

Estimated to cost $3.5 million, Summerfield’s new town hall “is long overdue and well deserved by this town,” Mayor BJ Barnes told the council June 8. “It just makes this community stronger.” Summerfield has no outstanding debt and expects to end the current fiscal year June 30 with about $7

million in reserves, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker. After reducing the surplus by $3.32 million, it will still easily satisfy the town’s policy of maintaining reserves equal to a minimum of 30 percent of annual expenditures, the mayor said. In Oak Ridge, the fund balance is projected to total about $3 million at the end of the current fiscal year, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce. That’s before the drawdown of $712,623 to help cover capital expenses of nearly $1.3 million, mostly for park development. Spending on community projects “is a fantastic way to invest in the current and future livability of our town,” Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider told the council during its June 3 meeting. “That is going to keep everyone’s property values high.”

Revenue is projected to exceed expenses by $582,000 in Oak Ridge next year, helping replenish the fund balance. “We are an ambitious town, but we are a very careful town,” Schneider said. Unlike the towns of Oak Ridge and Summerfield, the town of Stokesdale does not charge its citizens a property tax, and operates on a much leaner budget. The town approved a $613,683.80 general fund budget at

Stay

its June 10 meeting, which includes a $100,000 capital outlay for the town park. Although the council has not yet voted on which park features it will focus on in the coming year, citizens who responded to a survey mailed to their homes last year indicated they would like to see the town invest in trails, basketball courts and an amphitheater. The town’s water enterprise budget includes a $1.154 million capital outlay for improvements to its municipal water system, which will be covered by a state grant.

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/NorthwestObserver NEWS IN BRIEF ...continued from p. 5 Summerfield town council seats are for four-year terms; the two open seats on the ballot this November are currently held by Teresa W. Perryman and Tim Sessoms; Perryman has confirmed she will be running for a second fouryear-term on the council, but Sessoms has not announced his decision.

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Municipal elections will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2. For more details about the Nov. 2 municipal elections, voter registration information, polling places and other election-related information, visit www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ board-of-elections.

SUMMERFIELD – Developer David Couch is asking Summerfield Town Council to amend its recently adopted development regulations to allow for his proposed residential and commercial expansion of Summerfield Farms. Couch proposed an amendment to the unified development ordinance (UDO) that would create a master

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planned village district. If approved by the council, the new district would allow Couch to develop at least 750 acres of his property from Summerfield Road to Interstate 73 with a range of housing priced from $250,000 to $2 million. Providing a mix of housing is one of the goals of Summerfield’s comprehensive plan that’s not adequately addressed

...continued on p. 9

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SUMMERFIELD town council

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted:

June 8 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor BJ Barnes called the monthly meeting to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members Lynne W. DeVaney, Teresa W. Perryman, John O’Day and Reece Walker present. Sessoms offered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Walker recognized Jenna Daniels, assistant chief for Summerfield Fire District, for recently being named 2021 Fire Officer of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. Daniels, the first firefighter in Summerfield to win the award, received a standing ovation from the audience.

PUBLIC SAFETY Summerfield Fire District. The district reported it ran 71 medical-related calls, 15 fire-related calls and 20 other calls in May. Firefighters installed 17 child safety seats. Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s District 1 office reported it responded to 120 incidents in Summerfield last

month; details about the incidents were not provided.

PUBLIC COMMENTS  For the second time since March, Dwayne Crawford asked town staff to provide a financial audit trail for a $1,500 check paid to Summerfield three years ago by a group of residents seeking to amend the town’s comprehensive plan. In 2017, the town wrote a $1,500 refund check to Crawford and Perryman, who were co-chairs of the Save our Summerfield Committee. However, the pair refused to accept the refund, saying that doing so would indicate they were rescinding their request for the council to amend the comprehensive plan.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Sessoms and council members Lynne W. DeVaney, Teresa W. Perryman, John O’Day and Reece Walker voted on the following items during the June 8 council meeting. Mayor BJ Barnes was present, but in Summerfield the mayor votes only to break a tie.

 5  0: Amend the zoning of property at 7211 Summerfield Road to allow for the overnight storage of up to 10 vehicles  4  1: Approve (Perryman opposed) the $4.67 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1

 4  1: Adopt (Perryman opposed) the rewrite of the UDO (unified devel-

opment ordinance), the town’s rules for residential and commercial development

 5  0: Adopt a resolution saying Summerfield will comply with state and federal guidelines for spending COVID-19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act

 5  0: Approve the extension of Summerfield’s agreement with Guilford County for tax collections for three years, through June 2024

 4  1: Increase (Perryman opposed) Town Manager Scott Whitaker’s annual pay by 8%

Crawford requested the audit trail during the March 9 council meeting.

after Crawford’s request in March, Town Manager Scott Whitaker posted a memo addressing the situation on the town’s website.

After that meeting, Dee Hall, the town’s finance officer, emailed Crawford providing the audit trail; she resent the email to him after last week’s (June 8) meeting. In addition,

 Kim McCaskill said she was pleased to see the rewrite of the town’s UDO (unified development ordinance) requires that short-term rental property, such as Airbnb listings, mandates the

home be operated by an individual who lives on the property. McCaskill said a house next to her Pleasant Ridge Road home is operated as an Airbnb where guests are occasionally loud until late in the night and her attempts to reach the owner of the house, who lives in Florida, have been unsuccessful.

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

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PUBLIC HEARINGS Zoning amendment

 5  0 to amend the zoning of property at 7211 Summerfield Road where owners A.J. and Dora Rose rent a building and parking lot to Ronnie Hedrick for selling used cars. The property was zoned CU-GB (conditional use – general business) and allowed two vehicles to be stored on the premises at night. The lot typically contains more than a half dozen cars and trucks, putting it in violation of zoning rules, according to Chris York, the town’s planning manager. As a result, the Roses sought to amend the property’s zoning to allow the storage of more vehicles at night. Following the recommendation of the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, the council voted to allow as many as 10 vehicles to be parked there overnight. The owners agreed to the town’s request for granting an easement on the property for construction of a 10-foot-wide sidewalk along Summerfield Road. The easement gives the town the right to build a sidewalk in that location; however, there are no current plans for doing so, according to Town Manager Scott Whitaker.

Budget, FY2021-22

 4  1 (Perryman opposed) to approve the $4.67 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, including an appropriation of $3.32 million from the fund balance to cover the cost of the new town hall. (See related article on FC.) The property tax rate will remain unchanged at 2.75 cents per $100 of property valuation.

UDO

 4  1 (Perryman opposed) to

adopt a rewrite of the unified development ordinance, the town’s rules for residential and commercial development. (See related article on p. 3.)

The council approved several provisions proposed by Walker and DeVaney to allow higher-density residential housing. As an example, increasing the overall density from 0.73 to 1 unit per acre in all residential districts will allow for development on smaller lots (average lot size of 1 acre versus 1.37 acres).

MANAGER’S REPORT American Rescue Plan Act funds

 5  0 to adopt a resolution say-

ing the town will comply with state and federal guidelines for spending COVID-19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Tax collections agreement

 5  0 to approve the extension of Summerfield’s agreement with Guilford County for tax collections for three years, through June 2024. Town hall update. In response to a question by Perryman, Whitaker said town staff is “very close” to reducing projected costs for the new town hall to $3.5 million, the amount budgeted for the project. “We’re working through site costs,” the manager said. In April, staff proposed to rein in costs by reducing the size of the facility, originally proposed at 9,000 square feet. The project’s architect, Creech & Associates, plans to provide a project update during the council’s meeting July 13, according to Whitaker.

CLOSED SESSION

The council recessed the meeting and went into closed session to discuss Whitaker’s annual employment contract. After reconvening, the council voted 4-1 to increase Whitaker’s pay by 8%. Council members didn’t explain the pay raise, which Perryman voted against. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m.

NEWS IN BRIEF

...continued from p. 6 in the UDO, Couch told Town Manager Scott Whitaker in a letter June 9, a day after the council adopted the revised development regulations in a 4-1 vote. (See related article on p. 3.) The new district “is needed to address changes in the housing and development markets that cannot be adequately addressed with the recently adopted UDO ordinance,” Couch said. “It addresses a need for a variety of housing types across a wide range of ages, income, lifestyle preferences and price points.” Couch, CEO of Blue Ridge Cos., unveiled his plans for Summerfield Farms Village last September. He proposed a mix of commercial and residential development where a network of public trails would bisect open space and pastures where he raises cattle and operates a wedding venue and

marketplace store. He said construction of a variety of housing – from townhouses to luxury homes – would avoid repeating the pattern of cul-de-sac subdivisions common in Summerfield. Couch reiterated that point in the proposed text amendment he submitted to the town last week. Establishing the new district would “regulate the orderly mixed-use development of large areas with a comprehensive and cohesive design and avoid a saturation of large tracts used for disconnected, large-lot, cul-de-sac subdivisions,” it said. Couch’s proposal would rely on extending water and sewer services from the city of Greensboro to his development. The prospect of bringing public utilities to Summerfield has drawn objections from some residents, including council member Teresa W. Perryman, who say higher density development would overcrowd roads and schools and threaten the town’s rural character.

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

OAK RIDGE town council

June 3 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by CHRIS BURRITT Mayor Ann Schneider called the monthly meeting in Town Hall to order, with Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman present. Councilman Doug Nodine was absent. The meeting was livestreamed on the town’s YouTube page, which

is linked to its website and Facebook page. Shannon Depp, founder and vice president of the Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club, offered the invocation. Harvey Woolf, a recent graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PROCLAMATION

WHAT they voted on, and HOW they voted: Mayor Ann Schneider, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Kinneman and council members George McClellan and Martha Pittman voted on the following items during the June 3 council meeting. Councilman Doug Nodine was absent.

 4  0: Approve the closing of a portion of Linville Ridge Road and reconstruction of the cul-de-sac in the Linville Ridge subdivision

 4  0: Adopt the town’s nearly $2.63 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1

 4  0: Approve a $298,016 bid by Yates Construction Co. for two Mountains-to-Sea Trail projects

 4  0: Adopt a resolution saying the town will comply with state and federal guidelines for spending COVID-19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act

 4  0: Approve a proposal by Wooten Co. to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of installing water tanks and hydrants for fighting fires

 4  0: Approve the extension of Oak Ridge’s agreement with Guilford County for tax collections for three years, until July 1, 2024

 4  0: Appoint Megan Dyson as an alternate on the Planning and Zon-

ing Board

 4  0: Accept the town’s financial report for May meeting with her, Town Clerk Sandra Smith and Oak Ridge Commons shopping center owner Philip Cooke and his security chief to discuss ways to resolve the problem. Photo by Chris Burritt/NWO

Oak Ridge Mayor Ann Schneider presents a proclamation congratulating this year’s high school graduates to Harvey Woolf, a senior cadet at Oak Ridge Military Academy. Woolf, of Oak Ridge, led the Pledge of Allegiance during the Town Council’s June 3 meeting and later accepted congratulations on behalf of all graduates in the community who, according to the resolution, reached the milestone in a year of “unique challenges and restrictions” due to the COVID-19 pandemic

High school graduates. Schneider read a proclamation congratulating high school seniors who contended with “unique challenges and restrictions” due to the COVID-19 pandemic; she then presented Woolf with a copy of the proclamation, which also thanked parents, guardians and teachers for their efforts and offered graduates “best wishes in the next steps of your educational and career path.”

JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

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Fire Department handled 60 calls last month; half were emergency medical calls while seven involved vehicle collisions. One family was displaced by a house fire, he said. Firefighters obtained 778 hours of training.

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reported Haley Hill and Amber Long, the daughters of two fire department employees, received Strength and Honor Scholarships from a fund established and endowed by the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Andrew David Russoli. Each recipient received $2,500. The fund honors the memory of Russoli, a U.S. Marine who died in combat in Iraq; he had hoped to join the Oak Ridge Fire Department after ending his military service. A student at Western Carolina University, Hill is the daughter of fire Capt. Brad Hill. She plans to be a nurse, according to assistant fire chief Sam Anders. Long is the daughter of Gale Long, an administrative assistant in the fire department. She’s enrolled at Appalachian State University and plans to be a physical therapist, Anders said. The foundation has distributed $42,300 over the past decade, Anders noted.

PUBLIC HEARINGS Street closing

 4  0 to approve the closing of

a portion of Linville Ridge Road and reconstruction of the cul-de-sac in the Linville Ridge subdivision. During the public hearing, Bill Greco, president of Land Solutions, a Greensboro-based land surveying and design firm, represented property owners Bernard and Anna Walraven in requesting the partial road closing. No one spoke in opposition to the request. Schneider and Kinneman criticized Greco for proceeding with the work before winning approval by the council. “This will be the confessional portion of this public hearing,” Greco said, laughing and explaining he had overlooked the approval process. “That’s on me.”

The omission of seeking approval was “disturbing to many of us,” Schneider said.

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 4  0 to adopt the town’s almost $2.63 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. The budget presented by Town Manager Bill Bruce projected property tax receipts of $916,559 and a fund balance appropriation of $712,623 as the biggest sources of revenue. (See related article on front cover.)

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Revenue is projected to exceed expenses by $582,000, adding to the town’s financial surplus. The fund balance will total about $3 million as of June 30, the end of the current fiscal year, according to Bruce.

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“This is conservative, yet it meets all of the needs,” McClellan said. He joined other council members along with members of the Finance and Special Events committees and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in praising the budget. The spending plan appropriates nearly $1.3 million for capital expenses, including $855,000 to begin developing Heritage Farm Park on Linville Road. The town has applied for a $450,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to defray the park’s development costs; the council has decided to pursue the initial phase of work regardless of whether it gets the grant. Revised estimates by the Guilford County budget office projected that

...continued on p. 12

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

OAK RIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 11 Oak Ridge will get almost $103,000 more in property tax and sales tax receipts than previously calculated. Resident Mike Stone said the unanticipated “windfall revenue” gave the council the opportunity to reduce property taxes modestly. The council didn’t follow Stone’s advice. Property taxes on an Oak Ridge house valued at $500,000 total about $400 annually, Kinneman said. In exchange for paying taxes, families get to use Town Park and its athletic fields while attending events such as RidgeFest and Music in the Park free of charge. “I think we get tremendous value for $400 a year,” Kinneman said. The budget increases stipends for council members from $100 to $200 a month, before taxes. Kinneman, who called the pay raise “inappropriate” because some people

remain unemployed and some businesses are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, said he plans to give his stipend back to the town.

NEW BUSINESS

Mountains-to-Sea Trail improvements

 4  0 to approve a $298,016

bid by Yates Construction Co. for two Mountains-to-Sea Trail projects. Stokesdale-based Yates submitted the lowest of three bids to build a parking lot on Linville Road and a side path along Pepper and Haw River connecting two sections of the trail northwest of Oak Ridge, Town Manager Bill Bruce told the council in a May 28 memo. Project engineer Davis-MartinPowell & Associates recommended Yates over two other North Carolina contractors who bid on the project.

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 4  0 to adopt a resolution saying the town will comply with state and federal guidelines for spending COVID-19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Bruce estimated the town will be eligible for $1.6 to $2.1 million to be paid in two annual installments, with the first expected in the next 30 days. Municipalities will have five years to spend the money on projects, he said. Federal guidelines require spending on projects such as water and broadband, although rules are still being finalized, Bruce said.

MANAGER’S REPORT

Tax collections agreement

 4  0 to approve extending Oak Ridge’s agreement with Guilford County for tax collections for three years, until July 1, 2024. The town pays the county about $5,000 a year for collecting its property taxes, Bruce noted. Board appointment

 4  0 to appoint Megan Dyson

as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Board.

Voluntary annexation. Bruce reported the town has received voluntary annexation petitions from about 90 homeowners who live south of town limits. Town staff is reviewing the petitions to determine which ones are eligible for annexation, according to Bruce. He estimated that about 60 of the petitions will be declared valid. The council has scheduled a special called meeting June 29 to consider the annexation requests.

Text amendment. Planning Director Sean Taylor provided an overview of the state legislature’s overhaul of statutes governing planning and development regulations.

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The trailhead parking lot will have 10 parking spaces, Bruce said; it and the side path will be made of gravel. Oak Ridge plans to allocate $25,000 from federal Recreational Trails Program grant funding for the work. Later in the meeting, Anne Steele, the MST Committee’s co-chair, thanked the council for approving the expenditure. The side path will provide hikers with a safer route than walking on the side of the roads, she said.

JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

 4  0 to approve a proposal

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complete the study within 120 days at a cost not to exceed $19,500. Last month, the council approved the proposed scope of work for a fire suppression system, based upon discussions between the town’s Water Advisory Committee and Oak Ridge Fire Chief Ken Gibson. The committee modeled the proposed scope of work on a similar study Tracy Williams, attorney that Wooten, a consulting firm, prepared for the town of Summerfield in 2016 and updated in 2020.

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

FINANCIAL UPDATE  4  0 to accept the monthly

financial report showing that Oak Ridge collected nearly $107,453 in revenue in May, with the town’s ABC distribution of $38,494 and excise tax receipts of almost $31,955 representing the biggest contributions.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Planning and Zoning Board. Cochair Nancy Stoudemire reported the board will consider the site plan for a

proposed Starbucks store during its June 24 meeting. The store is planned for N.C. 68 next to the Quality Mart convenience gas station, just south of the stoplight at N.C. 68 and 150.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Co-chair Anne Steele said the committee is discussing options for extending the trail to Oak Ridge Town Park from its southeastern terminus on Linville Road. The trail runs about half a mile on Linville Road from its end to the park. The committee wants to re-route as much of the trail as possible off road to improve safety and the hiking experience.

Special Events. Chair Patti Dmuchowski thanked the Oak Ridge Horse Show Association for its $300 donation to the veterans’ site planned for Heritage Farm Park. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Co-chair John Garrett reported the board approved the use of Town Park and Heritage Farm Park for a youth running program June 14 – July 26, which is expected to attract more than 100 participants. Finance Committee. Chair John Jenkins thanked fellow committee members, Bruce and Sam Anders, the town’s finance officer, for their efforts that made planning for next fiscal year’s budget “one of the smoothest budget cycles we’ve ever been through.” Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Debbie Shoenfeld reported the commission awarded a $700 matching Historic Heritage Grant to the Old

Mill of Guilford for the restoration of a rock wall.

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Oak Ridge Elementary School. “This has been a school year like no other in the history of education,” Principal Penny Loschin said in an email to the council. She thanked students, parents and teachers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and added that her staff is already planning for the upcoming school year.

COUNCIL COMMENTS  McClellan reported that state legislation requiring local governments to include residential duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes and townhouses in residentially zoned areas has been derailed in the General Assembly. The towns of Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale passed resolutions last month opposing the House and Senate bills, which the towns described as an overreach of state authority on local land use.  Kinneman thanked people who organized and participated in the town’s Memorial Day ceremony May 31.  Pittman described the meeting as “long but one of the most productive that we’ve had” because the council adopted next fiscal year’s budget and advanced planning for a fire suppression system.  Schneider thanked staff for their dedication and leadership in pursuing town projects in recent months. With no further council comments, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

STOKESDALE town council

June 10 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by PATTI STOKES Mayor John Flynt called the monthly meeting to order and Councilman Jim Rigsbee said the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Due to technical difficulties, livestreaming of the meeting on the town’s YouTube channel was delayed for the first 15 or 20 minutes before the issues were resolved.

The council held a virtual meeting with its engineering firm, Hazen & Sawyer, on May 17.

May 17, 2021 council meeting minutes.

Property Committee. Councilman Rigsbee said a cleaning crew cleaned the front of Town Hall last month, but the birds’ nests were already back. Faulty lights in front of Town Hall are to be replaced, but the electrician has about a six-week backlog.

 5  0 to approve the April 8 and BOARD/ADMINISTRATIVE

Interim Town Clerk Dale Martin gave an update on the amount of water meters requested last month and said 526 mail pieces had been processed; there were 21 requests to reserve picnic shelters in the town park, and 72 8-1-1 requests.

Martin said she has been working on the filing systems at Town Hall.

Events Committee. Councilman Derrick Foy said the committee will soon begin planning the Dec. 11 Christmas parade and welcomes volunteers.

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overview of the town’s financial status, noting the town has $3 million in total assets in its general fund account and $1.647 million in assets in its water enterprise account as of the end of May. No one wished to speak during PUBLIC COMMENTS.

PUBLIC HEARING

Town Planner Oliver Bass, who is contracted through the Guilford County Planning Department, presented a request to rezone 4.73 acres at 7563 N.C. 68 from AG (Agriculture) to HB (Highway Business); if approved, the applicant said the property will be used for a 64,550-square-foot self-storage facility. Bass said the town’s Planning Board considered the request at its May meeting and voted 4-1 to recommend denying it (Planning Board Chair Tim Jones voted in favor of the request). Although the property is on N.C. 68, south of Kings Crossing shopping center, it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and the town’s Land Use Plan (LUP) recommends further development in this area be residential, Bass noted. As the staff member reviewing the case, he also recommended denying the request due to inconsistency with the LUP’s recommendation. Councilman Jimmy Landreth said the council had approved an amendment to zoning conditions for a property north of Tire Max on N.C. 68 back in December that will allow for a mini-storage facility. He asked Bass why the planner had recommended approving that zoning amendment, but was recommending the request to rezone this 4.73-acre parcel be denied.

Proponents  Cecil Little, president of AAA Self Storage, spoke on behalf of his grandson, Bryce Rush, who filed the rezoning application. Little, 82, said his self-storage business has several locations and is family-owned and operated. He thanked the citizens who came to the Planning Board meeting to speak in opposition to the application, saying, “This is the land of free speech and dialogue is good. We welcome good, honest opposition. “I’d like to think, though, that someday they will be among our happiest customers,” he added. Little outlined several features of the single-level storage facility he hopes to build on the site, and said it would have a “pleasant, inviting, beautifully landscaped” entrance, an architect-designed exterior, and a security gate. Low-level lighting would be directed onto the driveway versus toward neighboring houses, he noted. He said concerns voiced at the Planning Board meeting included, “I don’t want storage in my backyard,” traffic impact, inconsistency with the town’s land use plan, noise and light, pollution, and RV, boat and trailer parking. As for traffic, he said traffic on N.C. 68 through Stokesdale has decreased significantly since the opening of I-73 over four years ago. “I called NCDOT and they said Haw River Road dropped 5,000 average daily trips when I-73 opened,” he said. The town’s LUP has not been updated since 2007, and there has been much change since then, Little noted. “The property in its current state is not a credit to Stokesdale,” he

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concluded. “Even the tattered flag … we’ll clean the property up and transform it into the image you want for Stokesdale.”

years ago, then referred to a section in the town’s development ordinance that requires HB zoning districts “provide good road access and visibility.”

Opponents

Were this property rezoned for HB it would be surrounded by 10 single-family homes, Priddy said. She also noted the seller’s asking price for this property is $180,000 for five acres.

 Shannon Priddy, a resident of the Arbor Run subdivision off Haw River Road, reminded the council the Planning Board voted 4-1 to recommend denying the rezoning request, and the town planner had also recommended denying it. She noted that Oak Ridge had denied a request to locate a storage facility in its commercial core a few

gems in

“There are 10 acres for sale (just north of this property, across from King’s Crossing shopping center) with an asking price of $1 million and that’s already zoned commercial,” Priddy said.

were often left open. ‘Security being almost bank-like’ (as Little had earlier described) was not my experience,” he said, adding the facility had a high turnover in managers and there was noise from large trucks unloading items. “This property (on N.C. 68) is directly behind our neighborhood,” he added.  Jenny Knesel, also an Arbor Run resident, reminded council members it was their responsibility to be stewards of the land, and said commercial development should be clustered to lessen the impact.

...continued on p. 16

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“They just don’t want to pay for it.” Creating another entrance/exit on N.C. 68 would be dangerous, Priddy said, and commercially developing this property would negatively impact the scenic entrance to the community.  John Priddy, Shannon’s husband, said he had been a customer of AAA Self Storage for 10 years, when he went to his storage unit almost daily. “Very often I wasn’t required to enter my password. I often had to accept deliveries to my unit and drivers were inside waiting at my unit. Gates

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STOKESDALE TOWN COUNCIL ...continued from p. 15 COUNCIL DISCUSSION Two storage facilities right up the street is more than enough, she noted.  Holly Carr, another Arbor Run resident, said E. Harrell Road off N.C. 68 had been closed several years ago because of several serious accidents, some involving fatalities. She noted that 105 neighbors had signed a petition opposing this rezoning request.  David Dalton, who also lives in Arbor Run, said this property was not suited for commercial use and it would be inconsistent and unfair to allow it to go from a “full residential area to a spot commercial area.” “I don’t feel I have to give up my property value to subsidize someone else’s business,” he added.  Eileen Thiery, who served on the town’s Ordinance Review Committee, said rezoning this property would set a bad precedent. “We don’t want to become Greensboro and High Point,” she said.  Jeff Carr of Arbor Run said rezoning this property to HB would allow other nearby property to be rezoned for commercial use.  Jim Greene, a Planning Board member, said the town’s ordinances are outdated and the land use plan “is total garbage.” “It’s out of date, and as a PB member I feel like I had to honor something I don’t believe in,” Greene said.

 Mark Nadel, also a Planning Board member, said: “Four words: future land use plan.” Not abiding by it could open the town up to a lawsuit, he warned. At one point during preliminary council discussion, it was suggested the applicants consider withdrawing their request for a “straight HB zoning” and resubmitting their application as a conditional zoning request, specifying the property would be used only for a selfstorage facility as opposed to any number of other uses allowed in HB zoning.  Town Attorney Tom Medlin reminded council that although the discussion had centered on AAA Self Storage, “that is irrelevant – what is before you is whether this (property) is appropriate for HB.” During the rebuttal period, Shannon Priddy stated many residents had written emails to town council members asking this rezoning application be denied. “You would be going against your Planning Board and recommendations of Guilford County staff,” she emphasized. Knesel, who had spoken earlier, asked, “What is the point of having a (land use) plan if you don’t follow it?” After the public hearing, which had lasted over an hour, closed, council members debated the merits of the rezoning request before voting on it 30 minutes later.

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As they began to deliberate, Medlin reiterated, “Your only consideration is, should this parcel be HB? You cannot consider any particular use (i.e., whether it will be used for self-storage or any other use allowed in HB-zoned districts).  Councilman Foy thanked Little and his grandson for “putting together a great project” and conducting themselves professionally. “You could be great for Stokesdale,” Foy said. “… I’ve heard it said that we already have two storage units in town and we don’t need more … I don’t think it’s government’s place to put a tap or sealing on the number of businesses we have.” Foy then noted three facts: the town’s planner recommended denying the request; the request is not consistent with the town’s land use plan; and the Planning Board voted to deny the request. “And then the ‘half fact’ – traffic,” he added. “I travel on that highway daily, and it truly is unsafe there. Going down that hill at 50 mph – it’s a hard stop, and there is speed, gravity and only one lane to get out of the way when someone stops in front of you.” Foy said approving the request would pave the way for further commercial development in this area, which goes against the town’s land use plan. “It took years to fix that issue at E. Harrell Road, and then it was worse. They (NCDOT) did finally fix that. And then, if opponents chose to litigate, to me, this looks a lot like spot zoning … I think a judge would overrule that. “This is a very well-presented plan, but I’m voting no,” Foy said.  Mayor Flynt said the council had voted (3-2) months ago (at its December 2020 meeting) to amend the permitted uses on commercially zoned property further north on N.C. 68 to allow for a mini storage facility.

“I think we made a tremendous mistake,” Flynt said (he and council member Thearon Hooks had voted against that amendment). “We need •toTotally local since 1996uses in take that out of permitted

commercially zoned districts. “As for this property, it’s probably not feasible that it will remain AG, but the perfect kind of zoning would be conditional and would control the uses,” the mayor added.  Hooks said he struggled with the council voting to allow a storage facility on N.C. 68 north of Tire Max, but denying Little’s request.  Landreth said he understood why neighbors were upset, but he couldn’t vote against this request when he voted in December to approve another developer’s request to place a storage facility on N.C. 68.  Rigsbee said he “put a lot of stock in the opinions of those who live in the town.”

 2  3 to deny the rezoning request, based on it being inconsistent with the town’s land use plan and the Planning Board and staff recommendations to deny. Foy and Rigsbee voted to pass the motion. Before voting again, Foy said council was voting on whether to rezone this area “which is not near commercial,” to HB. “That is a huge mistake. It sure looks a lot like spot zoning,” he said. “This is not about a storage unit. He (Little) has put together a wonderful plan. This is about any business being there. As you’re building speed (on N.C. 68), you do have a safety issue there. Give it some additional thought.” Flynt and Landreth weighed in, saying they disagreed it was spot zoning.

“I don’t blame anybody for being against this, but you’re going to see it (commercial development) there. You can stop it tonight, but sooner or later an investment group will get together …” Landreth said.

 3  2 to approve the rezoning

request, with Flynt, Hooks and Landreth voting in favor of the motion. We’ll continue with other highlights from this meeting in our July 1 issue.

18 Looking for work? Places are hiring

Photos by Chris Burritt/NWO

At center, the Dollar General store in Stokesdale displays hiring signs in busy places, including on the door of the milk cooler. As you drive around the area, it’s hard to miss the urgent invitations from diverse companies for job candidates to apply online or in person. (Upper left) For the ﬁrst time since opening nearly a decade ago, the Uptown Charlie’s sports bar on North Church Street and N.C. 150 posted a hiring sign, hoping to add servers. Pizza chains, including Domino’s

Pizza and Pizza Hut, are hiring delivery drivers.

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Where are the workers? For a wide range of northwest Guilford employers – from landscapers to restaurant owners to house remodelers – ﬁnding workers is a worsening struggle by CHRIS BURRITT NW GUILFORD – In recent months, Donna and Glen Claeys, owners of the Garden Outlet in Summerfield, haven’t had much luck hanging onto employees to operate their Bobcat, a piece of machinery for loading mulch and dirt into customers’ trucks. One of the four men they hired thought it was OK to buy beer from the nearby convenience store and drink while operating equipment, according to Donna. The most recent hire has started asking for days off, once to find his lost dog. “It’s the story of life right now,” said Donna, echoing the frustration of other employers in northwestern Guilford County scrambling to hire

workers. Not only has the labor shortage caused operational problems, but it’s also crimping the ability of some businesses to regain sales as the economy rebounds from the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, Gov. Roy Cooper lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, allowing restaurants and bars to resume service at full capacity. However, establishments such as Uptown Charlie’s, a sports bar at N.C. 150 and North Church Street, are resuming table service gradually, partly to make sure they’ve got enough waiters to serve sit-down customers. Seating is based upon servers being able to handle three or four tables throughout their shifts, requiring more trained staff than Uptown Charlie’s has right now, according to bar manager Dana Odom. “We’re getting there,” she said in an interview earlier this week, explaining that new staff training is underway to replace employees who didn’t return from the pandemic shutdown. One former employee who didn’t come back was a mother with children, Odom said. Another cited health

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concerns for not returning. “I feel comfortable hiring six or seven or eight more employees,” said Odom, explaining she’d like to give more time off to the current crew of roughly 12 servers. Management is planning a celebration for employees, such as a Christmas party in July, to thank them for working long hours during the labor crunch.

“All they’re getting out of this is more work,” Odom said. The labor shortage isn’t confined to small businesses, judging by hiring signs along U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. Culp Home Fashions and Endura Products have posted signs in front of their manufacturing facilities, while Thompson-Arthur hung a banner on the fence in front of its asphalt plant. Culp is offering a sign-on bonus, according to its sign. Endura Products is inviting candidates to stop by without an appointment. The labor shortage has sparked broad debate about whether the

extension of federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits on top of state benefits until September is discouraging some people from working. “Many economists have pointed to states’ continuing reliance on these benefits as a likely factor delaying a return to work for some claimants in state unemployment insurance (UI) systems,” the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce said in a post on its website last week. The weekly federal benefit is $300. Legislation in the state General Assembly would end the state’s participation in the federal unemployment compensation program. The state chamber of commerce supports the legislation, along with a bill that would provide a $1,500 signing bonus to an individual on unemployment who obtains a job within 30 days of the bill becoming law. The bonus would sink to $800 if a person starts employment between 30 and 60 days of the bill being enacted. Some people are “getting enough from the government so they don’t have to work,” said Michael Assante, owner of Nonna Teresa Eatery in the

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Like his employees, Assante said he’s working longer hours and more days to compensate for the labor shortage. He said he’d like to hire another four waiters, giving him a total of 10 servers and enabling him to give workers more time off. Some candidates don’t show up for interviews once they’ve scheduled them, according to Assante. Some who are hired don’t report to work. The restaurant owner said he’s paying as much as $4 and $5 an hour to tip-earning employees, roughly double the wage mandated by state law. Restaurant operators in North Carolina are required by state law to pay employees who get tips at least $2.13 an hour as long as employees earn enough in tips to make up the difference between the wages paid and the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

“You pay them more because you don’t want them to leave,” Assante said. MB-F Inc., a Greensboro-based company that runs dog shows nationally, recently boosted pay to employees who stayed with the company during the pandemic. The increase to existing employees also enables the company to pay new workers more, according to Bobby Christiansen, the company’s president and a resident of northwestern Greensboro. In preparation for the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show earlier this month, Christiansen and other company executives made ribbons to replenish depleted inventories that,

if it weren’t for the labor shortage, would have been produced by other workers. “We could use 10 good people,” said Christiansen, explaining the company needs truck drivers and set-up workers for shows and workers for the ribbon-making department and print shop.

“We’ve brought back everybody we could bring back, but we’re still short of people,” Christiansen said. Old School Home Repair has never had such a hard time finding workers, according to Lisa Potkay, who started the Oak Ridge company with her husband, Jerry, in 2005.

“We’ve had to pass on some jobs” because of the lack of workers, Lisa said. Ideally, the Potkays would like to hire a lead carpenter capable of handling a variety of home repairs. For a skilled employee, they’d pay about $20 an hour, she said. Instead, over the past three months, the business has gotten two applications, including one from a former printing industry worker who has never worked in home repair.

“It is horrible,” Lisa said in an interview. “We are trying to find some very good workers, but we can’t find them. Hardly anyone is even applying.’’

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ASK THE BUILDER

How have the price and supply of lumber and other building materials affected your home prices? While lumber prices are down 40% from a record high in May, wood and other building supplies are still selling at far above pre-pandemic prices. One local builder we talked with told us that a year ago, a piece of 4-foot x 8-foot, ¾-inch subflooring sold for “$18 and some change.” Recently, he paid over $80 for the same product. To compound the situation, builders are having to endure supplychain shortages on many of the items needed for new home construction and remodeling. We spoke with area builders to find out how higher prices and shortages

are impacting their businesses and if they foresee any relief in the near future. Here are their responses: “Obviously, it has made house prices go up substantially. It’s much more difficult for builders to determine the (final) price of the house, especially with lumber costs as they are. “There are also a lot of shortages. Appliances are taking about three months for delivery. I’ve had to plan way ahead and have some things delivered earlier than normal. So far, we’ve been able to finish the houses in time, but we’ve cut it close.

Adobe Stock photo

The price of lumber soared at the beginning of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply shortages. Coupled with that, the demand for home remodeling projects and new homes surged as employees working remotely felt the need for larger homes or private workspace in their existing homes. Lumber prices hit an all-time high in May, but have since dropped about 40%, which investors and lawmakers hope reﬂects the reopening of the economy and a gradual return to normalcy.

“I think lumber prices will settle

our family our family caring for yours ourcaring family for yours

down when construction slows or stops. But I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I could tell the future, I wouldn’t be building houses.” Randy Dezern, RS Dezern Construction

“People talk about lumber going up but forget that lumber is more than the framing for the house. It’s the wood floors, wood cabinets and wood trim. In addition to wood, the price of every care for life other thing in the house has gone up – concrete, dry wall, hardware, etc. I can’t Our primary care providers have one goal in common: keeping you and your family healthy. As think of anything that hasn’t gone up.

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“(Rising and changing prices) make it hard to price a home. You’re pricing what you can price. Some builders talk about escalation clauses, but I haven’t figured out how that works (when a buyer tries to get a mortgage). “Shortages are another problem. We’re ordering things way earlier than we used to have to – we’re ordering appliances at the start of a job and

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

windows as quick as we’ve got a set of plans. Windows used to take approximately two weeks and now it’s approximately eight weeks. “It’s difficult. You just keep going and doing the best that you can.” Commie Johnson, Johnson and Lee, LLC “The lumber price impact is painful, for sure. We have looked for creative ways to offset some of the impact by using alternative materials, having a higher degree of planning for each framing job and having different vendors quote each house. “Not only have prices on building materials gone up but there have been shortages as well. We have had to be more intentional in our planning and preparation for when we would need certain building elements – windows and doors, shingles, framing materials, paint, etc.

...continued on p. 22

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ASK THE BUILDER: EFFECTS OF LUMBER PRICES ...continued from p. 20

“These changes in the marketplace have led to home prices increasing. Thank goodness we have recently had historically low interest rates, which have allowed for buyers to still be able to purchase new homes and essentially have a similar mortgage payment as they would have prior to the pandemic.” Ray Bullins, Ray Bullins Construction Co. “In years past we would typically see increases in building materials the first of the year. They would be 1 to 3% on some, not all materials. Now we’re seeing increases every week in various building materials and with some of them, multiple times in the past year. These increases are ranging from 10 to 50%. “It’s all a matter of supply and demand. Due to the long-running low interest rates, everyone is refinancing

and adding on, remodeling, upgrading or building. This huge demand at a time when materials are difficult to come by due to the shortage in the workforce caused by the pandemic is wreaking havoc in the building industry. “With all the price fluctuations, we have had to change the way we price our homes to work in this kind of environment. We can’t control the costs, so rather than lock in a set price at the time of the contract, we’re doing cost plus a percentage or cost plus a set builder fee. “We just can’t risk locking in prices and having the costs go up to the point that we’re losing money. No business can survive like that. We’re also dealing with such short supplies and delays in delivery that as soon as buyers make their selections, we’re placing our orders.” Kathy Dumas, R&K Custom Homes

your builder questions to: editor@nwobserver.com

WELCOME to our new advertisers Thank you to the businesses, organizations and individuals who advertise in the Northwest Observer and make it possible to provide this community resource at no charge to our readers.

Purple Wagon Events Owner: Nicki Wagoner Nicki Wagoner said she was looking for an outlet to sell her home décor when a friend approached her about planning her own events for artists and craftspeople. “I bought her business and have made it on my own ever since,” Wagoner said of her business, which gives her the opportunity to bring craftspeople and artists together in one place to promote their items. Describing herself as a “people person,” Wagoner said she enjoys helping promote others and seeing them succeed. Borrowing a quote from the late Steve Jobs, Wagoner operates on the philosophy, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” On a personal note, Wagoner said she grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but is happy to be a North Carolina transplant.

“I love how you can visit the mountains and the coast all in one day if you want to,” she said of North Carolina. Wagoner said she is a mom, a “bonus mom,” and a mom to three fur babies. To learn about Wagoner’s upcoming event at Stokesdale Elementary School on June 26, see ad on p. 14; questions may be directed to purplewagonevents@gmail.com.

Autumn Creek Vineyards Owner: Bill Stanley Autumn Creek Vineyards, located in Mayodan, North Carolina, is owned by Bill Stanley. Bill and his son Scott, who is a professional landscaper/designer,

... continued on p. 26

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www.naylorcustomhomes.com Mitch Bullins (center) with his parents, Lisa and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc.

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“My wife and I never had a house built before, but we decided to build our retirement home. Many of our friends warned us about the stress and frustration that they experienced when they built their own houses. I can tell you we never went through these issues because of Johnson and Lee’s communication They are honest people who do and the quality of their workmanship. edible schedulers who always show what they say they will do and are incr ly. Everything is done so professionup and consistently work methodical t you will be completely amazed. ally and with such craftsmanship tha expectations. We are fortunate we Our house significantly exceeded our found Johnson & Lee to build it.” - Ken & Sallie Hall, Stokesdale

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Ray Bullins started in the Ray Bullins started in the construcconstruction business in the tion business in the 1970s, when as a 1970s; he was 12 at that 12-year-old boy he helped his father time and helped his father with remodels, renovations and restowith renovations and restorations around Kernersville. rations around Kernersville. “My father often told me, ‘Come “My father often told on, let’s go learn how to do someme, ‘Come on, let’s go learn thing,’” Ray said. “I made cement, how to do something,’” Ray brick and mortar mix, drove nails, just said. “I made cement, brick whatever he told me to do around the and mortar mix, drove nails, site.” just whatever he told me to In 1993, Ray and his wife, Lisa, do around the site.” File photo Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO started Ray Bullins Construction Co. Ray and his wife, Lisa, At Ray Bullins Construction Co., Lisa, (left) Mitch They sold their first house in 1994 Mitch Bullins, (center) recently joined his parents, started Ray Bullins Construc- Lisa and Ray Bullins focus on building great houses and Ray Bullins, at Ray Bullins Constructionand Co. for $83,000. Ray figures he’s built tion Co. in 1993 and sold strong relationships. more than 200 homes since then, Ray their first house a year later most now ranging from $350,000 to entire family,” and they’re committed to ha for $83,000. Ray figures they have built crediting the emphasis on customer $750,000 (or more) and between 2,500 to ensuring their homeowners experience this for b more than 200 homes since then, most service builds and communication to Lisa, 7,000 square feet. as the company living spaces that au ranging from $350,000 to $1,000,000 who is also business partner. are both elegant and his comfortable – without in G The company recently welcomed the and between 2,500 to 7,000 square feet. Ray and Lisa believe their homec sacrificing quality. next generation of builders with the addiThe company welcomed its next involvement building a Whenowners’ Karen Smith and herinhusband, tion of the couple’s 24-year-old son, Mitch, generation builders lastState year with the home be “an exciting Sprin Gary, metcustom Ray and Lisa should at last year’s who graduated fromof Appalachian addition of the couple’s 25-year-old son, event filled with hope and aexpecParade of Homes, they already had house University in December. Mitch, who graduated from Appalachian tation for the entire family,” and plan and were simply looking for a builder. While also learning the construction side State University in December 2019. they remain focused onmet thisRay as the and the “We walked into their house, of the business from the ground up, Mitch’s seller, t company high-quality living While learning side, the construction and Lisa and threw builds away our plans,” Karen primary focus is onalso the business as well spaces that are both elegant and of the business from the ground up, said, explaining she and Gary chose to especiallyside on incorporating technology and house comfortable. Mitch primarily focuses on the business duplicate the Parade home plan on the social media. “Mo side, especially on incorporating technolWhen Karen Smith and her farm in Walkertown. “He’s been assigned the task of bringing couple’s 16-acre Guilfor ogy and social media. husband, Gary, Rayman andworkLisa “Ray built houses as amet young us into the 21st century,” Ray joked. “He’s acknow during a Parade of Homes tour, ing with his dad. He knows what he’s doalready done a remarkable job in getting feature already had a house plan been assigned the task ing,” she they added. “We trusted him, and heand were our name out “He’s and improving our communithe hou looking for athings builder. and willing to talk through cation processes, and we’re of bringing ushappy into to thehave 21st was opensimply clients. “We walkedabout into their with us. I can’t complain one house, thing.” met Ray him with us.” century,” Ray joked. “He’s doRay Lisa away went so and well,threw in fact, thatour Rayplans,” KarPart of ing whatahas enabled Rayjob Bullins remarkable in getting Thingsand buildin en said, explaining she and Gary is now working with Karen’s daughter in chose to Construction to be so is ourCo.name outsuccessful and improving munity duplicate the Parade home plan the construction of her home on the family on the its ability to work so closely with clients, our communication processes,property. couple’s 16-acre farm in Walkertown. Knight Ray noted, while crediting the company’s and is p and we’re happy to have him Melanie Huffman “Ray builtsaid houses asofa young man emphasis on customer service and commuquality Angel’s us.”is not only his wife but construction working with hisindad. He knows nication towith Lisa, who was evident the home she what Ray he’s doing,” she added. “We his business partner. and her husband, Ricky, purchased in trusted small g ability to work building so closely him,Knight’s and heLanding. was open and willing to talk Ray and The Lisa Bullins believe a with Oak Ridge’s clientsshould has largely to the with us. I can’t “Ray’sthings qualitythrough really stands out,” she complain custom home be “ancontributed exciting event success, Rayfor noted, oneextras, thing.”the details, loved the filled withcompany’s hope and expectation the while said. “Weabout (3

Brought t Brought to you

y Bullins Construction Co. as established a reputation building quality homes with unique feel. (Right) Located Greensboro’s Owl’s Roost community, this Ray Bullins home was the company’s ng Parade of Homes entry.

Ray Bullins Construction Co. strives to build high-quality, unique homes that provide a haven for their owners. details, and the upgrades. The floorplan was a big seller, too. Ray is also easy to work with Photos courtesy of Ray Bullins Construction Co. as well as fair. We’d let him build another houseinfor us in a are looking at an exciting opportunity heartbeat.” Oak Ridge.

Time-tested reputation of excellence in quality home building for 40 years Established 1981

just for you! When only the best will do Designed and built

Now building and developing in some of northwest

e upgrades. The floorplan was a big Guilford County’s finest neighborhoods or wherever you want to be! too. Ray is also easy to work with custom builders in Custom home building isn’t just our job, it’s our l as fair. We’d let him build another Besides building in “Most some of the area’s Belews Ridge • Birkhaven northwest Guilford use custom passion. With attention to detail at every step for us in a heartbeat.” newest communities, the company works features,” Raypurchased acknowledged. of the way, we’ll strive to make Knights Landing your with future homeowners who’ve ost custom builders in northwest “The way we incorporate feahome building process smooth their own lots throughout the Triad. rd use custom features,” Ray North Ridge • Wolf Ridge tures into the final design and and stress-free. wledged. “The way we incorporate A regular participant in the Greensboro look of the house is what really es into the final design and look of Builders Association’s fall and spring Parade The company has since completed Plus, we back every new home stands out to our clients.” use is what really stands out to our of Homes, Ray was pleased with the twoFrom our family to yours – a second home on the property for the with a 1-year warranty. We hope Ray Bullins Construction .” weekend event that ended June 14. Co. is curSmiths’ daughter and her husband, who you’ll work with us to build Now is the time to make the rently in Knight’s Landing y Bullins Construction Co. is currently “We sold ourbuilding Parade homes house the first relocated from Raleigh. your next home – you in Oak Ridge, with prices beginning at investment in home ownership. ng homes in the Owl’s Roost comweekend and attracted some other clients won’t regret it! Melanie Huffman said quality of Angels Landing in Summery in northwest Greensboro and the We would enjoy partnering who came$550,000; through the house,” Ray said, construction was evident in the home she field, from $600,000; and North Ridge in t’s Landing community in Oak Ridge, confirming the company’s “best form of with you to build it. and her husband, Ricky, purchased in Stokesdale, from $540,000. The compapreparing to begin construction in advertising” comes from prospective homeOak Ridge’s Knight’s Landing. – Francis, Mark and Patti Disney ny also custom projects on s Landing in Summerfield. owners being ablehas to walk through oneunderway of quality really stands individuals’ private land outside of these and see for themselves the care y also “Ray’s mentioned that he and a out,” their homes Huffman said. “We loved the extras, the neighborhoods. that goes into its design and construction. group of custom home builders

Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc. Ray Bullins Construction Co., Inc. (336) 345-3263 | buildmanbrb@aol.com | raybullinsconstruction.com 336) 345-3263 | buildmanbrb@aol.com | raybullinsconstruction.com

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...continued from p. 22

purchased the vineyard in 2008 with a vision for turning it into a local event venue and expanding the vineyard. In the 13 years since, they have developed a peaceful retreat that offers a picturesque venue for weddings and other special events, wine tastings, lodging and a vineyard. The pavilion is modeled after the Angus Barn Pavilion in Raleigh. Nestled in the beautiful rolling countryside of Rockingham County, Autumn Creek Vineyards is the perfect destination for enjoying one of their awardwinning wines, hosting the perfect wedding, or treating yourself to that well-deserved getaway in one of the cabins surrounded by the vines! The goal at Autumn Creek is to provide patrons with a positive experience, encouraging them to relax and enjoy their time at the vineyard so that they’ll come back again and again, and will

When asked how he spends his leisure time, Bill quickly admits that “all of my free time is spent here at Autumn Creek!” He enjoys meeting and greeting the guests, and is usually onsite during events to help ensure a positive experience. Bill resides and works in Greensboro. When he’s not at Autumn Creek, he enjoys spending time at his farm in Rockingham County, which is a short drive from the vineyard. He has four sons and eight grandchildren. One of his sons lives close by in Summerfield along with his family and their children, who are students in the Northern school district.

To learn more about Autumn Creek Vineyards, see ad on p. 6, visit autumncreekvineyards.com, or stop by for a glass of wine and enjoy the picturesque, relaxing atmosphere.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Construction underway for Oak Ridge Family Dental

Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO

Construction is underway on a new dental ofﬁce located in King’s Crossing shopping center at the intersection of Haw River Road and N.C. 68 in Stokesdale. Dr. Amy Li, who owns a practice in Advance, North Carolina, hopes to open Oak Ridge Family Dental sometime in early 2022.

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All leased up! Tire Max owner Max Gardner is happy to announce his 6,300-square-foot building on U.S. 220 in Summerfield, located beside his Summerfield Tire Max store, has been fully leased to EmergeOrtho. The physician-owned orthopedic practice has 45 locations in 21 counties throughout the state of North Carolina. The contractor’s bid to upfit the building has been let, but the building will likely not be ready for occupancy until late this year. “After 2 ½ years of that building sitting empty, we are really glad to have them,” Gardner said. “We’ve had opportunities for different things, but I was really determined to be selective and make sure what went in there was going to be good for the community. I am thrilled to have EmergeOrtho!”

JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

Making your Vision a Reality

FRIDDLE COMPANY and

336-908-0966

hese custom homes became reality through a collaboration between Friddle and Company and the homeowners...from lot evaluation and plan development to the selection of fit and finishes to handing over the keys. We are a fullservice custom home builder known for attention to detail, creativity and exceptional customer care. Contact us today to make your vision a reality.

Homes for sale, completed or under construction: 8611 Lathans Tr, Bethel Ridge, Lot 13, $800s 8408 Wolf Ridge Trail, Wolf Ridge, Lot 3, $700s 5681 Timber Trace, Wolf Ridge, Lot 25, $800s 1111 Haniel Drive, Angel’s Landing, Lot 14, built to suit Find more details on our website for each home/lot.

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Kids’ Korner

Mystery Word

Discover the name of this sea creature, which has no brain or blood, by writing the letter each image begins with in the box directly above that image.

Thank you to Nicole Gillespie for making this week’s Kids’ Korner possible

MAX imizing your real estate experience Nicole E. Gillespie SPS, REALTOR®/Broker RE/MAX Realty Consultants

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You Dream It.. It... let us build it R&K Custom Homes provides high quality standards to you by incor incorporating timeless architecture and inviting ambiance, with a range of styles from Craftsman to Contemporary to Feng Shui. Every R&K custom home features outstanding craftsmanship with distinctive taste. Building homes in the Triad since 1992, Rich and Kathy (R&K), are respected premier builders of exclusive custom homes. R&K will match design options based on the home buyer’s lifestyle and personality, bringing their new home vision to life.

Rich and Kathy extend their gratitude to their customers. grati R&K believes their customers ideas and thoughts are important in planning the ideal home of their dreams.

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Currently, R&K has lots available in Oak Ridge (Wolf Ridge, RiverRiver Kathy & Rich Dumas, owners side and Bethel Ridge), Stokesdale (Charles Place), Summerfield (The Farm at Lake Brandt) and GSO (Owls Roost and The Farm at Cedar Hollow). R&K also has homes getting started for you in the Charles Place and Riverside communities. Call today at (336) 643-3503 to schedule a complimentary private consultation.

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Youth

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Dingman, Hernandez named Northern Guilford’s male, female athletes of the year

nationals in Eugene, Oregon, later this month. “It shows that I have really been working hard and can achieve my goals,” he said of the award. Being named her school’s female athlete of the year caught Hernandez by surprise. “I was like: ‘What? When there

by MEREDITH BARKLEY NORTHERN GUILFORD – Northern Guilford track stars Jack Dingman and Alyssa Hernandez, both all-state performers and school record holders who will run for NCAA Division 1 programs next year, have been named the high school’s senior male and female athletes of the year. Dingman is headed to East Carolina, where he plans to study economics; Hernandez has signed with UNC-Chapel Hill and expects to study nutrition science, and possibly sports psychology. The awards, they say, are a welcome validation of the work and dedication they’ve invested in their sports. “It showed I persevered despite the difficulties this past year,” Dingman said. Hernandez said she is “very grateful” for the award. “I worked really hard.” Dingman has been cross country Mid State 2A/3A Conference runner of the year for three seasons; cross country regional champion in 2019; cross country all state for two years; 3,200-meter outdoor track regional champion for 2019; track and field conference runner

JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

Jack Dingman

are so many people at my school who worked so hard, why me?’” she said. “There are so many people who deserved it.” Hernandez, who expects to compete for another state title later this month, credited her success to her coaches at Northern, Greensboro Champions training club and Proehlific Park.

Alyssa Hernandez

of the year for 2018; and Northern’s record holder in the 1,600-meter run (just under 1 mile), with a time of 4 minutes, 13.32 seconds. Hernandez was the indoor 500meter state champ in 2020; two-time regional outdoor champ in the 400meter; two-time state outdoor runnerup in the 400-meter; and was named all-state and all-region in cross country for 2018. She is the school record holder in the 400-meter (55.32 seconds), 500-meter (1 minute, 14.67 seconds), and cross country (3.1 miles), at 18 minutes, 44.43 seconds. Dingman said the award motivates him to continue the hard work of excelling at his sport. His goal: break the 4-minute mile pace and make the Olympic team. He expects to be competing in the state tournament and the

STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.

by MEREDITH BARKLEY

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Hayleigh Bryant, rising junior Sport: track Hayleigh Bryant wound up on the track team during seventh grade after being passed over by a couple other sports teams.

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Now a rising junior at Northwest Guilford, she obviously landed where she needed to be and found a sport in which she could excel. She’s been at it ever since, and is going head-to-head against older girls and often winning. She said she enjoys “being able to be as good as they are when I’m a sophomore and they’re seniors.” Track was an afterthought, though. She’d tried out for soccer and volleyball in the seventh grade but didn’t make those teams. Some friends were

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running track, so she decided to go out for that. That’s when she and coaches discovered the speed she could generate. “She’s definitely our fastest short distance runner,” said Coach Kevin Wallace, who described her as “awesome to coach.” He said she has “done very well at meets.” She runs the 100-meter dash and legs of the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.

perhaps, eventually be good enough for the Olympics. “I don’t want to go to a college that doesn’t have a good track team,” said Bryant, who wants to be an athletic trainer.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD Kalina Rashkov, recent graduate Sport: tennis For recent Northwest Guilford graduate Kalina Rashkov, roller skating is one athletic activity she likes about as

She’s also a high jumper, which she took up in eighth grade. Her coaches, she said, “just needed people to do it and since I was a fast runner, they thought I’d be good at that, too.” Her best events, she said, are the 100-meter dash and high jump, with her best 100-meter time at 12.8 seconds. She typically clears 5 feet, 2 inches in the high jump. Both, she said, have been good enough for wins.

much as tennis.

for everything you do” during a match. It’s a mental game, too, she noted. “The point is going to go to the person who doesn’t mess up when it counts,” she said. At a practice earlier this past season their coach asked players what they should be doing on the court. Rashkov said one teammate replied with a quip that morphed into a team slogan of sorts: “Hit it where they ain’t.” Rashkov will head to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in August; she doesn’t plan to play for the college’s team, but she enjoys tennis enough that she’ll likely seek out a recreation or club team. At Vassar she plans to study biochemistry and cognitive science in preparation for medical school.

“It’s an independence thing,” Rashkov said. “It’s like gliding and it’s really fun doing it to music. I like matching the beat to my feet.”

“You can directly see the effects of what you’re doing,” she said of medicine. “You see little things you do that change the lives of people.”

“It’s like a bond we build and it’s not just for the season,” said Bryant, who normally participates in track’s indoor as well as outdoor seasons.

She’s also “pretty good” at flinging a frisbee, she said. But neither were varsity sports, so it was tennis, which she began a decade ago, that she took up seriously in middle school.

She also sees “disparities” in healthcare access as a huge problem. “Watching this pandemic unfold has contributed to that interest,” Rashkov said.

She hopes her abilities take her far – her goal is to attract attention and scholarship offers from major NCAA Division I college programs and,

While it’s a team sport, she said tennis is another outlet for independence. And that, she said, “pushes you more. You take personal responsibility

She was a dual enrollment student in high school, taking classes at both Northwest Guilford and Guilford Technical Community College. Among her

To Bryant, the track team is “like a family,” and she loves being part of that.

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favorite classes: one at GTCC entitled “Myths and Human Cultures,” which she found “amazing.” In her spare time, she plays violin and enjoys participating in orchestra and chamber group performances. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more alive than when I am part of an orchestra,” said Rashkov, who hopes to minor in music.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Samantha Townes, recent graduate Sport: tennis Samantha Townes, who graduated from Northern Guilford earlier this month, played the No. 2 court for Nighthawk tennis. She’s headed to NC State in August to study biomedical engineering in preparation for a career that she hopes involves creating vaccines against future diseases. While the coronavirus pandemic has made vaccines a hot topic, Townes said she was interested long before it commanded headlines.

...continued on p. 32

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TOWNES

...continued from p. 31 “I’ve wanted to do this since my freshman year,” she said. Still, she concedes, when she mentions her career goal to others the response she gets is, ‘Ah yes, so you can help with corona.’” She said she’s long wanted to do something that would benefit people “and I thought this would be a good way to do that.” Not surprisingly, one of her favorite classes this past year was biology. Another favorite was calculus, which she found “really different from other math classes.” She said she likes math “because you can always find a solution for every problem.” Townes played tennis with family members for years and began playing for Northern as a sophomore. “Freshman year I didn’t try out because I was nervous about going into high school,” she said. When she joined the tennis team, she didn’t know any of her teammates; that soon changed, however, and she soon discovered a new circle of friends. Like other tennis players, Townes likes the independence she has on the court. “You have more control over the game,” Townes said. “It also involves

JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

strategy, which a lot of people don’t think about. My coach calls it ‘a 90-mile-an-hour chess game.’” The strategy, she said, is all about placing the ball and anticipating how your opponent will react. Her play earned her a spot on an all-conference team and a trip to the regionals this past season. During off hours this last year she worked at a nearby Subway restaurant. It was nice earning her own money, she said, but the job also gave her a peek into “what working is actually like.” She has a different job this summer – lifeguarding at the Reedy Fork pool. “It’s just (so I can have) an outside job during the summer,” she said.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Parker Stewart, recent graduate Sport: track Even though it didn’t work out, perhaps it was fortuitous that Parker Stewart gave basketball a try his freshman year at Northern Guilford.

He discovered he was “a power forward stuck in a guard’s body,” he said, so the game “wasn’t working” for him. His parents, though, had urged him to run cross country that fall to get in shape for basketball. He’d never run before, but gave it a try and decided he kind of liked it. So Stewart, who graduated June 7, went out for track after basketball season that year, “fell in love,” and ran track year-round through the rest of high school. He credits teammates and coaches for drawing him into the sport and giving him a strong attachment. “It was like a family,” he said. “It was just a nice experience.” Stewart “participated” in cross country’s 3.1-mile competitions in the fall, but ran sprints during indoor track in the winter and outdoor in the spring. His sprint events: the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes and a leg of the 4x400 meter relay. He said he’s not competitive in distance events like cross country, but did it to stay in shape and active. He’s much more competitive in sprints, he said. To him, “it’s much better to go all out than to pace yourself. I just enjoy the speed element of it.” Stewart’s best event was the 400meter dash, which he said he has run in under 50 seconds. His typical time,

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though, is 52 to 53 seconds. One reason he said he likes running is that it doesn’t depend on the whims of officiating. The fastest time wins. Also, he said, “it allows you to test your individual efforts.” Longer runs, which he does to maintain endurance, give him a “peaceful” feeling. Stewart, an Eagle Scout, is headed to United States Military Academy at West Point this August for mechanical engineering. He won’t run competitively there, because he wants the full cadet experience without the distractions and demands that come with competing as an athlete. It will be a road less traveled and he’s “ecstatic” about it, he said.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Jordayne Daye, recent graduate Sport: track Northern Guilford’s Jordayne Daye remembers that relay race one summer day years ago at the Greensboro Sportsplex when a counselor, after observing her performance, suggested she give

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6161-A Lake Brandt Road • Summerfield • 336 .643.1440 • SummerfieldDentist.com school track a try. “I would watch the Olympics on TV, but I never thought about running myself,” said Daye, who graduated earlier this month. Nevertheless, she went out for the team in seventh grade, made it and “just kind of stuck with it,” she said. That counselor saw something. Daye has since claimed her share of post season honors – all-conference, all-region and all-state. She was attracted at first by the “team atmosphere,” she said. “Everybody was friendly. It was like a family.” It was also fun and she enjoyed getting in shape. “I like how competitive it is,” Daye said. “You want to see how much faster you can get, how much you can push yourself and how much time you can drop.” She ran indoor and outdoor track for Northern throughout high school. Because of COVID, though, there was no indoor season this past year. She favors sprints, and her events were the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes and the 4x400 meter relay. Her strongest event was the 400-meter dash, which she ran in about a minute. “The distances are a little too long,” she said. “You have to have a lot of endurance and I don’t have a lot of endurance.”

This August she’s headed to NC A&T, where she plans to major in chemistry; after that, she hopes to go on to dental school.

132 pounds. “It just keeps pushing me to get better and better.”

“I like seeing people with nice teeth,” Daye said. “Teeth can determine how people look at you, so I want to help people who don’t have good teeth. And when I go to the dentist, I like the overall atmosphere of it.”

He figures he’s been wrestling since about age 4. And except for a break during his elementary and middle school years when he played football, wrestling has been his passion. He’s been pursuing it year-round since middle school.

At Northern, she was president of her sophomore and junior classes and was Student Council secretary this past year. “I wanted to be a leader for our grade and step up to the plate and help,” she said of her motivation for running for student government office.

NORTHERN GUILFORD Cohen Beane, rising junior Sport: wrestling Wrestlers have only themselves to blame if their opponent trounces them. Northern Guilford’s Cohen Beane likes that. “There’s no one else out there. Just you and the other guy,” said the rising junior, who wrestled this past season at

And of course, he said, “I just enjoy the sport.”

“I just like to get out there and show my skills and try to push myself,” Beane said. “It’s very aggressive and technical.” He also likes “just being around (his) friends,” he added. “It’s like a brotherhood.” He calculated he had more than 50 wins last season (against six losses), which ended with the regionals. Is college wrestling in his future? It’s a possibility, said Beane, who hopes to study engineering or architecture. “It’s a pretty big commitment. If the opportunity opens for me, I’ll take it. But we’ll see where it goes.” Like most wrestlers, he has to keep

a close eye on his weight. It wouldn’t do to show up to a match a pound or two over, which would knock him out of the competition. He manages his weight mostly by staying away from sweets and unhealthy foods, he said, and sweating off pounds during practice. While maintaining weight can be difficult, he’s been doing it so long it’s become second nature, he said. His favorite class at Northern is math, which he said “flows into all other classes.” Why math? “It makes you think, work toward an answer,” he said. “I just like the problem solving.” He’s uncertain which direction he’ll head once he gets to college. With two more years of high school ahead of him, there’s plenty of time to decide. But, he said, “I enjoy designing and sketching out ideas.” Occasionally, when he and his family have free time, they escape to Topsail Island to unwind. He called it: “Our happy place. It’s away from all the craziness.”

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Soccer coach takes over as athletic director In anticipation of retiring in December, Northwest Guilford High School’s athletic director, Mike Everett, will turn position over to Jason Allred next month by MEREDITH BARKLEY NORTHWEST GUILFORD – Jason Allred, who guided Northwest Guilford boys soccer to the state semifinals the last two years, has been named the high school’s new athletics director. He takes over from Mike Everett, who has directed Northwest sports since September 2019. Everett, 59, is stepping down in preparation for retirement late this year.

Everett on the transition and hiring a boys soccer coach.

Allred has coached soccer and taught English the past 17 years – six years at Western Alamance before moving to Northwest in 2010. In his new position he’ll be giving up both. “Giving up the soccer gig was definitely a tough decision,” said Allred, who played soccer at East Carolina. “But looking long-term, I thought it was a good time to move into a different role.” Allred and his wife, Laura, will remain invested in the sport, though. Their daughter Ava was the only freshman on Northwest’s womens varsity team this past year, and son Eli, a rising eighth grader, plays for a club team.

“Just being in an athletics administration role was something I’d thought about for a long time,” said Allred, 42. “What it really boiled down to was a new challenge.”

As part of the interview process, Allred presented a “strategic plan” for school athletics, which he hopes will serve as a road map for modernizing the school’s sports programs and making them more relevant to students and the community.

He takes over in July in time for the lead-up to the 2021-22 athletics seasons. Until then he’ll be working with

He wants to move eligibility requirements for athletes online and eliminate all the paper they generate, find ways

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“I feel like if we could bridge these two (athlete and non-athlete students) there would be better schoolwide involvement and better school spirit,” Allred said. During his years as soccer coach Allred’s Western Alamance teams won two conference titles and reached the state quarter-finals in 2005. During his 11 years at Northwest his teams won another nine conference titles, reached the state quarter-finals three times and the semifinals the past two years. Everett will teach physical education at Northwest until December, when he’ll retire. He said he decided to give up his position now so that Allred could begin with the new school year. “I’ll help him through the summer and into the fall,” said Everett, who turns 60 in November. He said the school had five or six applicants for the position but chose to stay in-house. During Everett’s nearly two years

Mike Everett

Jason Allred

at the helm, Northwest won Metro 4A Conference titles in a number of sports. Those numbers are somewhere in the archives, he said, but he hasn’t kept track. “I never kept up with records,” said Everett, who played basketball and baseball at Western Guilford and High Point College, now High Point University; he added he was much more interested in the relationships he developed with the kids, win or lose, than he was with the records. “I hope the student-athletes realize how deeply important they were to me and how deeply I cared about their well-being. I hope I had some impact on their lives,” he said. He expects to keep busy in retirement and play lots of golf.

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to market the school’s brand, replace aging football and soccer scoreboards and use social media and other means to get all students involved.

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High school sports highlights Wrestling, baseball and tennis seasons stretch into the summer by MEREDITH BARKLEY Northwest Guilford and Northern Guilford wrestlers finished undefeated regular seasons, found success in Tuesday’s regionals and are preparing for state tournaments later this month. Northwest, which went 19-0 during the regular season, won the 4A Midwest Regionals on June 15 with 157 points, edging second-place West Forsyth on a win by heavyweight Marcus Harnarain in the final match. “I’m really proud of our kids,” said Coach Ron Bare. “They work really hard and respond to whatever challenges we put before them.”

Thirteen of Northwest’s 14 wrestlers qualified for regionals. Nine of those finished in the top four, qualifying them for states. Three were champions: James Joplin, a fourtime regional champion, won at 132 pounds; Drew Pepin won at 138, and Riley Edwards, a two-time regional champ, won at 145. The other qualifiers: Eli Pendergrass at 113, who finished second; Will Gibson at 120, who finished second; Dylan Pepin at 126, who finished third; Harnarain, at 285, who finished third; Colin Queen at 152, who finished fourth and Donorris Abbew at 195, who finished fourth. The format this year was different because of COVID. Normally the tournaments are double elimination events, giving wrestlers who lose in

the early rounds an opportunity to make up for it later. This year, though, the first two rounds were single elimination. And during the state tournament only the top four, rather than the top six, will place. “It’s going to be very difficult to get enough kids in the semis to get a shot to win,” Bare said. Northern went 14-0 through a COVID-shortened season and won the conference tournament last week with 186 points, far ahead of secondplace Morehead’s 127.5 points. At the 3A Midwest Regionals on June 15 the Nighthawks finished fourth of 27 teams and are sending five to the state tournament, including regional champ Louden Peters, wrestling at 170. Other state qualifiers were Cohen Beane at 132, who finished third; Garrett Benfield at 152, who finished

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third; Darius Evans at 160, who finished third, and James Poole at 126, who finished fourth. “I thought we did really, really good,” Coach Justin Harty said of his young team, which includes only one senior. “We’ll take it to the states and see how we can do.” All 14 of Northern’s wrestlers qualified for regionals, a first for the school. Conference tournament winners: Dylan Johnson, Poole, Beane, Wally Lutz (the conference’s most outstanding wrestler in the lower weights), Peters, Roman Garofola and Bradley Sigmon, the team’s only senior. He’ll be wrestling for Ferrum College next year. All seven of those were named to the all-conference team, along with Benfield, Noah Martin and Evans.

...continued on p. 41

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mark your

NOW THROUGH AUG. 12

calendar

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY

 Farmers markets | Fruits of the Spirit Farmers

Market, held at Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola Drive, will be open Tuesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Oak Ridge Farmers Market, held at Oak Ridge Military Academy, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, will be open Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to dusk.

& Tennis Club, 4108 Windlestraw Lane in northwest Greensboro, will host a tennis tournament fundraiser for Emily Taylor and Backpack Ministries of Greensboro beginning Friday, June 25, through Sunday, June 27. The cost to play men’s doubles, women’s doubles or junior’s singles is $30 per person. Emily is a local child with Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome, CCHS (congenital central hypoventilation syndrome) and epilepsy. All event proceeds will go towards Emily’s medical bills. Players who bring canned goods for Backpack Ministries will be entered in raffles to win prizes. More info: Garret Eichlin, (336) 554-4011 or keichlin123@icloud.com.

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 Grab N Go | Guilford County Schools will offer

free “grab n go” meals for students age 18 and under until Aug. 12 from Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon, at several locations including Northwest Guilford High School, 5240 Northwest School Road. The only week off is July 5-9. More info: Wanda Barber, (336) 370-3261, or Kim Best, (336) 370-3300.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19  Car Wash Fundraiser | A fundraiser will be held

June 19, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to support Stokesdale residents Nathan and Ivy Midkiff, who are in the process of an infant domestic adoption. Prestige Car Wash, located in Oak Ridge Commons shopping center at the N.C. 68 and 150 intersection in Oak Ridge, has donated their facility to help support this fundraiser. The family invites the community to show their support in three ways: pray for the Midkiffs and their adoption journey; come get your car washed and share details about the fundraiser with others; and support the Midkiffs’ adoption journey at www.classy.org/ fundraiser/3259428, where you’ll find a video of them sharing their personal story.

MONDAY, JUNE 21–FRIDAY, JUNE 25  Vacation Bible School | Bethel United Methodist Church at 8424 Haw River Road in Oak Ridge will host Vacation Bible School from Monday, June 21, to Friday, June 25. Dinner for participants

starts at 5:45 p.m. and classes run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Anyone age 2+ is welcome. More info: call (336) 643-0509 or visit bethelumcoakridge.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19  Music in the Park | The Town of Summerfield will

sponsor a Music in the Park event June 19, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 5404 Centerfield Road. Special Occasion Band will be playing beach music, oldies and Top 40 songs, and Marty’s BBQ and Kona Ice will be selling refreshments. Bring a chair and blanket. Parking available at Summerfield Community Park or Medearis Street parking lot.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26  Food pantry | Good Samaritan Ministries’ food pan-

try in Stokesdale will open for those in need of food on June 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Stokesdale Business Center, 8500 Ellisboro Road. The usual check-in procedure will be followed, and boxes of food will be placed in cars without recipients getting out. To make a financial donation or request emergency assistance, contact Terri Johnson, (336) 643-5887 or terrij1957@yahoo.com.  Ai Church open house | Preservation Oak Ridge

will host an open house June 26 at the historic Ai Church community building, 1306 N.C. 68 N in Oak Ridge, to showcase restorations including new kitchen and bathroom facilities. Guests are invited to stop by 1 to 5 p.m. More info: (336) 644-1777 or aicommunitybuildingevents@gmail.com.

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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! ...continued from p. 1

carried me through some difficult and trying times, and has given me an opportunity to pause and think about some decisions I have had to make in my life. “Additionally, the emphasis my dad put on education has influenced me in my career choice, and in many ways, I am a principal now because of him. “Dad was raised in a very poor home, and worked very hard in high school in order to have more opportunities for himself and his family (he was valedictorian of his high school class, and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill). His story has motivated me to help reach students who are given less than ideal circumstances, and provide educational opportunities that open a world of possibilities for them. “I would be remiss if I did not also mention that my dad was an amazing caretaker for my mother, Shirley, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in October 2016. She suffered with the disease for 15 years, and the last several years of her life she needed a high level of care. Dad kept her home with him most of that time, and fed her, bathed her, and cared for her in ways that truly inspired others around him. “My dad’s love for my mother, his family, and his work ethic have made me a better mother, friend and educator. He is my hero.” Ashley Proctor Young, principal Northwest High School “My dad was the guy who would strike up a conversation with a total stranger every chance he got! Some of my favorite memories of him are from camping with my parents and sisters after we were all grown and married and had kids of our own. Being a farmer, my dad was up with the sun, even on vacation, and before the rest

of us were even out of bed each day, he would have walked around the campground and met everyone else who was up early. “He would come back and tell us about the family three sites down who just bought their first camper, so he showed them how this worked and how that worked. And the lady making coffee in the office who moved here from another state because her parents lived nearby and she just went through a divorce so she wanted to get back home. And the older couple who were the campground hosts for the summer and all of the places they had been and the stories they shared. After a day or two, he knew everyone’s life stories! “Dad had a genuine interest in people and loved to talk and to listen. I try to remember that and take an extra minute to chat with someone when I have the opportunity. My dad passed away in 2013 and I sure do miss him – especially all the talking and listening!” Laura Reneer, marketing manager PS Communications “My dad, Bob Cooley, taught me so much in life and provided even more. My biological father passed away when I was very young, and this wonderful man came into my mom’s and my life a few years later. I will always refer to him as ‘my dad,’ because he gave me one of the greatest gifts possible – adopting me and changing my last name to his (most people do not know this and will often comment on how much we look alike. My dad and I always look at each other, smile and say, ‘yes we do’). “I never once heard my dad raise his voice. He has a gentle soul and always wants to be the peacemaker. “My dad taught me the value of an

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JUNE 17 - 30, 2021

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! ...continued from p. 37 education, coming from a family of educators. “He taught me the importance of hard work and dedication to a job – he has had the same job with the same company for over 50 years. “He taught me the importance of grammar, especially when speaking (I’m hoping he doesn’t find any grammatical errors in this).

“I learned from him perseverance. I always saw my Daddy as a source of strength, too. After leaving home, on several occasions when I would visit, I would find him sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bible. This was always comforting to me.” Rene Collins, admin assistant PS Communications

“He taught me the importance of a firm handshake and looking people in the eye. “He taught me to never judge a book by its cover, when referring to people. To always be kind to others. You never know what another person’s experience has been. “He taught me how to dive and the importance of knowing how to swim. “He taught me how to drive a stick shift, because you never know when you might need to know how. “He taught me to love roller coasters, the first one being Space Mountain in Disney World. “These are just a few of the lessons he has taught me over the years. I have and will always be his ‘Princess.’ Love you, Dad!” Penny Loschin, principal Oak Ridge Elementary

“My father was an absolutely amazing human and a wonderful and loving father and husband who lived an amazing and full life. He worked hard for so many years, loved golf, the beach, and traveling with my mom. There is literally not a single day of my life that he does not influence my thoughts and actions.

“My Daddy was a man of few words, so when he spoke, you listened. If he was in a talkative mood, however, he could tell some colorful tales. “Daddy came up somewhat hard, after losing his mother at age 7. He came from a big family and only went to school through the seventh grade. I’m sure he had to quit to help out at home. He later joined the service and served in the Army and the Air Force, in both World War II and the Korean War.

“Although Daddy’s education was cut short, he was able to provide a comfortable living for our family by working in the millwright and boilermaker field. I feel sure he probably The Northwest Observer •learned Totallythis local since trade while1996 in the service.

“He was born in 1935, married my mom in 1953, and together they raised my brother, sister and myself in a loving and caring home. He loved his family with all his heart and he would be so proud of my mom for her strength and courage since he passed away. “My dad taught me so many lessons over the years, but reflecting on his life and all that he gave me, what comes prominently to mind today are the lessons of honesty and integrity – doing the right thing and being true to what I believe. I never wanted to disappoint my dad (or my mom) and I think I carry this concept of working hard and making them proud with me each day. “My dad was a very special person to many people and he has been missed greatly since his death in 2014. I know he watches over us and we all miss him tremendously. We love you, Dad!” Denise Francisco, principal Northwest Middle School “My dad was a very quiet man, never complained and never had much to say, but he loved to sing. Everything mustered a song in his memory and he would be sure to let his vocal cords express it. Like him, I often find myself

coming up with song lyrics when I hear specific words or phrases, and if you’re lucky, I might sing a little tune. It’s kind of uncanny at times. “My dad gave me my foundations for carpentry by letting me tag along when he would go to a neighbor’s workshop to build a steeple for our church or a water wheel for my science project. I treasured time with him fishing, going to care for his aging parents in North Wilkesboro, grabbing a meal after one of my ball games or lunch when we worked for the same company when I was home for the summers while in college. “As his health deteriorated with Parkinson’s disease and he gradually lost his sight, we got our ‘daddy/ daughter’ time while I trimmed his beard, shared my latest woodworking creation, or told him about my graduate coursework. He was exceptionally proud of his three kids and seven grandkids and would gladly tell you about them with tears rolling down his cheeks. He wasn’t very good at hiding his emotions, especially when it came to his love for his family. He was very sentimental and choked up easily when he talked about us. “My dad was a very giving man and he loved to help others. After retiring, he and my mom went to Guatemala, where they served as missionaries for 12 years. He was affectionately called ‘Santiago,’ the apostle of love. That is who he was, a gentle, loving man who would give the shirt off his back for anyone. However, he was most proud of my mom and how she cared for him as his health took a drastic turn. They were married for 54 years. I sure do miss him.” Janiese McKenzie, principal Northern High School “I have been blessed with four fathers in my life, and the following are some of the lessons I’ve learned from each... “From my father, Ronnie Beal, I learned a work ethic, and that no one can take it from you; that ‘things’ are nice, but not required for happiness;

your word is all you really have, so don’t devalue it; and God loves me. “At an early age, my stepfather, Rhett Catoe, entered my life and from him I learned that love can be shown in different ways; steady wins the race; loyalty is a choice; and again, God loves me. “As a young teenager, I was searching for something but didn’t know I was lost. A family in our church (Tim and Heather Sessoms, and their four children at the time) noticed me and opened their home and hearts to me. A few of the lessons I learned from Tim are that people don’t need to be fixed first, they need to be loved first; when people are down, don’t kick them, help them up; there is enormous power in forgiveness; family first; giving up is not an option; and, yet again, that God loves me. “You see, you can be a birth father, you can be a stepfather, or you can even choose to be a father figure in someone’s life. All options can have positive and lasting impacts on a child, teenager and young adult. I now have three kids of my own, and I am so thankful these men poured into my life so I can pass along the lessons learned. “However, I am most thankful they all pointed me to my heavenly Father, because without Him I would be a total mess, at best. Someone reading this may have never met your earthly father or maybe your father chose not to be in your life or has passed on from this earth. Know that your heavenly Father numbered every hair on your head, knows your every thought and loves you unconditionally. He desires more than anything to have a real relationship with you, just ask. God’s Word promises, ‘seek and you will find.’” Shane Beal, son, father and owner of EuroHaus in Stokesdale

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will miss you very much! #1355

GRINS and GRIPES

Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in

words or less

online: nwobserver.com e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion. shop or stop on the way to work.  Driver of the silver Kia Forte waiting for food from Bojangles’ drive-through Sunday evening. Our whole family saw you offer your umbrella to the young lady getting soaked while running food out to waiting customers. Kudos to you!  Starbucks coming to Oak Ridge. Excited at the possibility of having it close by (but I’d prefer it be in Kings Crossing in Stokesdale). Always wanted to ride my bike to the coffee

 Door Dashers/GrubHub drivers in the Oak Ridge area, and to businesses that offer that option. During this pandemic you have been a blessing!  Jennifer and staff at Bistro 150 for great food and service for my 50th birthday party. Fourteen of us plus your regular Saturday night crowd and it went smoothly. Awesome job!  Brian, assistant store manager at Summerfield Food Lion. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into our store and our team. We

 Drivers who when approaching someone on a bicycle slow down and give a wide berth.  Powell Shelton, Jr. for looking after the Stokesdale Veterans Monument on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and throughout the year. The flags put out at each holiday are a special touch!  Prestige Car Wash in Oak Ridge Commons for allowing us to use their car wash facility for our adoption fundraiser on Saturday, June 19.  The lessening of the COVID crisis and reappearance of the “On the Go” section in the Northwest Observer. Editor’s note: We enjoy seeing where our readers take their Northwest Observer (or Northwest FINDER or any of our other special-focus publications). Now that people are on the move and socializing again, we encourage you to take us with you wherever you go, capture a photo of yourself, your friends and/or family with one of our

PS Communications’ publications and then, follow through and email the photo to photos@nwobserver.com so we can share it on our back cover! (P.S. Be sure to tell us about where you were when the photo was taken and who is in the picture).  Oak Ridge McDonald’s employees who are trying their best to feed us on the run. They are short-handed, working hard and trying their best. Thank you for working!  IDEAL Comfort in Burlington. They service our heating/AC systems twice each year for two units and are so reasonable on their price, professional, thorough, take their time and explain everything. Best company we have ever had!

 Those who take photos of unsuspecting innocent people, particularly children, for the purpose of forwarding

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

to others to make fun or gossip. It may not be illegal, but it sure makes you a creep.  Summerfield Mayor BJ Barnes. When you were sheriff, you didn’t rest until you had a new jail, which wasn’t needed. Now it’s a town hall.  The unemployed individual complaining about “starving” vs. living wage. What is a living wage? What skills do you possess to earn that wage? Guessing not an economics or business degree? So please respond with your “living wage” and skills possessed.  Summerfield Square Shopping Center owners who are forcing The Jumping Bean in Summerfield to move! Boo! My family loves going there, and the hot chocolate is always so good!  Town of Oak Ridge for considering another commercialized business. Focus on small town, small business. There are Starbucks everywhere. You don’t need to add additional

congestion to N.C. 68.  The person complaining about the cat at Lowes Foods in Oak Ridge – petty, much? Especially after the year we’ve all had! He is neutered, well fed and brings joy to many!  The man who chose to get loud on the porch Sunday morning at Humphreys Ridge. Maybe your wife will fix you breakfast from now on. We enjoy eating there without having to listen to mouths like yours.  Drivers who make little or no effort to allow room for bicyclists. Your inattention makes an accident more likely.  Rednecks with trucks that can be heard three counties from here. Get a life.  The customers who are making our local McDonald’s employees cry. They are short-handed and have a lot of new employees. They can’t help that people won’t work and can make more money at home. Be kind!

H.S. SPORTS

WOMENS TENNIS

...continued from p. 35

Northern (7-1) won the COVIDdepleted conference this season and is sending a singles player and two doubles teams to the regionals on June 18.

Northern steps up to 4A next year to face a tough all-Guilford County conference. “Change is always good,” said Harty, the conference coach of the year. But, he said, the “first order of business is finish up this year strong.”

BASEBALL

Northern, with eyes fixed on a state title, finished the regular season undefeated and now stands 15-0 after opening the state playoffs with a 10-0 defeat of 16th-seeded Cape Fear (11-4). They’ll take on ninth-seeded Northern of Durham (12-2) in the second round on June 16.

Carmen Wallace advanced to the regionals on the strength of her record, and the doubles teams of Samantha Townes/Mallory Parr and Sophia Davis/ Cassie Townes will also advance. Northwest (5-7, 3-5) finished tied for third in the Metro 4A Conference with Ragsdale. Olivia Gleeson, a sophomore, advances to Friday’s regionals. This year’s 17-player squad had two seniors, one junior and the rest were freshmen and sophomores.

Northwest, a No. 5-seed, defeated 12th-seeded Hopewell (9-5) 12-6 on Bill Davidson, who has coached June 15 in the first round. The Vikings tennis at Northwest the past four NEW Lyears, (12-3) meet fourth-seeded Hough stepping down after this ocatwill iobe n season. (15-0) on June 17 in the secondin round. K

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507 Cinema Ct. Kernersville, NC JUNE 17 -27284 30, 2021 41 (336) 515-3381

of Toscana Trace in Summerfield (off N.C. 150 W) reported at 3:04 a.m. an unknown suspect opened the driver’s side door of his vehicle in the driveway and stole $900 from the glove compartment; his license plate was also stolen.

CRIME / INCIDENT report

District 1 Sheriff’s Office has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest/northern Guilford County ...

ANIMAL BITE

June 3 | A resident of the 600 block of Blenheim Court in Oak Ridge (off Stafford Mill Road) reported a possibly stray dog bit another resident.

ASSAULT

June 2 | A resident of the 7400 block of Strawberry Road in Summerfield reported she had been assaulted. June 5 | The owner of Bi Rite Galaxy in Stokesdale reported a known underage suspect assaulted him after attempting to purchase alcohol using a fake ID. June 9 | A man was arrested in the 8300 block of Meadows Road in Oak Ridge (off N.C. 68 N) for assault on

June 9 | A white 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat stolen in Maryland was discovered in the 6100 block of Trotter Ridge Road in Summerfield (off Bunch Road).

a female, injury to personal property and interfering with emergency communications. June 14 | An employee of StokeRidge Tavern in Stokesdale reported one customer assaulted another customer by pushing him against the wall.

THEFT

June 2 | A resident of the 5000 block of Shoreline Drive in northwest Greensboro (off Lewiston Road) reported an unknown suspect entered her residence and stole a firearm and antique spoons between June 1 at 10 p.m. and June 2 at 12 noon. June 7 | A resident of the 7000 block

June 9 | Two local residents parked in the 5200 block of U.S. 158 in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect broke a window on both vehicles and stole their purses. June 9 | A resident of the 3200 block of Pleasant Ridge Road in Summerfield reported a known suspect entered her residence and stole her cell phone, worth $150, around 6:15 p.m. June 11 | A resident of the 8600 block of Belews Creek Road in Stokesdale reported an unknown suspect stole a

black 2008 Acura TL from the driveway between June 9 and June 11. June 11 | A resident of the 8500 block of Kelly Lee Drive in Stokesdale (off U.S. 158) reported at 4:30 a.m. two unknown suspects entered his work truck and stole several items; the items were later found in a ditch down the street and returned to him. June 13 | A resident of the 6200 block of Horseshoe Drive in Summerfield (off Hamburg Mill Road) reported three known suspects stole his ATV, worth $10,000, between 6 and 6:30 a.m.; in the 4800 block of Oak Forest Drive in Summerfield (near Hamburg Mill Road), a 22-year-old male, a 31-yearold male and a 43-year-old male were later arrested for conspiracy to commit larceny and buying/receiving stolen property when they were found with several stolen items; a 29-year-old female was also arrested on these charges and for financial transaction fraud.

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The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996

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INDEX

MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE. 2003 HarleyDavidson “Superglide”. 100-year anniversary model. Brand new, less than 300 miles. Black in color. Beautiful bike. Priced to sell! (336) 430-9507. 2009 MINI COOPER. If you want a Cooper and don’t want to break the bank, this is it! Awesome 6-speed, black and white color scheme. John Cooper Works Racing model. Less than 35k miles. Very, very clean! Call immediately! Asking $9,800. Oﬀers considered. (336) 430-9507. CHOICE TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE. Oil changes, inspections, alignments and general automotive repairs. 1080 US Hwy 66 S, Kernersville, NC. (336) 992-9002. KNIGHT IMPORT SPECIALTY SERVICE. European Auto Service & Repair, 4559 US Highway 220, Summerﬁeld (across from Food Lion). Specializing in factory-scheduled maintenance and repairs. BMW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini and Porsche. 32 years experience. (336) 337-0669.

 EMPLOYMENT

 YARD SALES

P/T MORNING or AFTERNOON NANNY needed for two children in Summerﬁeld. Monday-Thursday with ﬂexibility. Must have clean driving record and reliable transportation. Please send information to info@orchiro.com.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat., June 19, 8am-3pm. 8400 / 8402 Deer Path Court, Stokesdale. Women's clothing (L & XL), lots of jeans, home décor/goods, kitchen items, tons of cake pans and more!

NEW HOMESCHOOL CO-OP starting in the Summerﬁeld/Bethany area. We are looking for a robotics instructor, a young entrepreneurs instructor, a basic carpentry instructor and a P.E. instructor to teach a group of middle/H.S. students on Thursdays starting in September. If interested, please contact Tatum McBryde at NLHG.reidsville@gmail.com. LOOKING FOR SOMEONE RELIABLE to mow lawn and for ongoing yardwork projects in Oak Ridge. Please call or text (610) 533-5727 or (484) 695-0561.

 SAVE THE DATE CAR WASH FUNDRAISER to help with adoption expenses for the Midkiﬀ family. Sat., June 19, 8am-6pm, Prestige Car Wash in Oak Ridge (Lowes Foods Shopping Center). For more details, see display ad on page 4. The EMILY TAYLOR CHARITY TENNIS TOURNAMENT, to beneﬁt Emily Taylor and Backpack Ministries. Fri.-Sun., June 25-27, at Cardinal Tennis Center. Juniors', women's and men's tennis. Canned food items will be collected for Backpack Ministries. To register or make a donation, contact (336) 554-4011 or keichlin123@icloud.com.

Auto Sales & Service ........ 43 SAM'S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. July 5 at Liberty Wesleyan Church, Summerﬁeld. Educational Service ......... 43 body work. 45 years exp. (336) 965-7955. Hotdogs at 6:30pm. Fireworks at dark. Employment .................... 43  EDUCATIONAL SERVICE Save the Date.................. 43  SUMMER CAMP SUCCESS+ COLLEGE PLANNING MADE Summer Camp ................ 43 EASY! Openings for 8th–12th graders. Northwest Lady Vikings LACROSSE CAMP. Yard Sales ....................... 43 Help with all testing, college applications, June 22-24, 9am-12pm. $100. For info Home Services ...........43-46 essay writing, H.S. course selections, ap- email kirwanc@gcsnc.com. plications for: Governor's School, NCSSM, Misc. Services .................. 46 private schools, graduate school, medical Misc. For Sale .................. 46 school, and college transitional and tutor-  YARD SALES Misc. Wanted .................. 46 ing assistance, plus so much more. Free MOVING SALE! Saturday, June 19, 8am. 30-minute consultation available. Call 816 Stanley Road, Stokesdale. Kitchen, furPets & Animal Services .... 46 Sherry Andrews, (919) 478-9310. Check niture, home goods, seasonal, tools, boat, Real Estate ................. 46-47 out website, www.successplus4u.com. minivan & more! TheObserver Northwest• Observer • Totally The Northwest Totally local since local 1996since 1996

MOVING AFTER 20+ YEARS. Big yard sale. Sat., June 19, 8am-2pm. Billet Place, Oak Ridge. DVDs, books, video game consoles and games, home and seasonal decor, new gift items, electronics, musical inﬆruments, great dorm room items, treadmill, and more. MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Sat., June 19, 8am-1pm. Haw River Road. to Warner Road to Fortana Court, Oak Ridge/Kernersville. Follow signs. MOVING SALE! Fri. & Sat., June 25 & 26, 8am-2pm. 7405 Summer Wind Ct., Summerfield. Furniture, linens, tool cheﬆ, workbench, & everything in between. SUMMERFIELD PEACE UMC Community Yard Sale / Fundraiser. Sat., June 26, 8am1pm. 2334 Scalesville Rd., Summerfield. Rent a space for $25. Hotdogs & raffle tickets available. Donations for sale will be accepted. For details or to rent a space contact the church office, (336) 643-5126, or Margaret Hudgins, (336) 643-5679.

 HOME SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING A-ACTION AIR. Air conditioning checkup, $49.95. Call (336) 268-6768 or (336) 382-3750.

CLEANING CHRISTIAN MOM needs work cleaning houses, running errands. Will ﬁt to your budget. Pet taxi/pet sitting also avail. References. Call Laura Bennett, (336) 231-1838. Don't have time to do LAUNDRY, or just hate doing it? I can wash, dry, fold – and even iron, if needed. Pickup/delivery of freshly cleaned laundry within 12-hour timeframe available – or, get a discount if you deliver to me and pick it up. I service Stokesdale, Oak Ridge and Summerﬁeld only. For more info, call Mary at (336) 362-5756.

continued on p. 44

JUNE 1717 - 30, 2021 JUNE - 30, 2021

43 43

HOME SERVICES

DUST FAIRY CLEANING. 3-hour cleaning special for $75. Excellent reference referrals. Call Tammy for free estimate. (828) 279-1464.

FLOORING

GRADING / HAULING

LAWNCARE / LANDSCAPING

MONTERO'S HARDWOOD FLOORING Installation of hardwood, laminate & tile; hardwood sanding & finishing. Commercial & residential. Insured, 17 yrs. exp. Free est., exc. references. Call (336) 215-8842 or visit Monteros-hardwood-flooring.com.

H&L GRADING, LLC. No job too tough or too small. Call us first! We are a full-service grading company that specializes in residential projects. Owner/ operator Timmy Hart has more than 30 years of grading and equipment experience. Fully licensed and insured. Land clearing, debris removal, driveways, French drains and much more. (336) 543-7867.

CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 643-9332. www.carolinastumpandtreeservices.com.

THE CLEANING TECHNICIAN LLC. Back in business. Spring cleaning time is here. I would like to offer my cleaning services. I do detailed cleaning. I also offer carpet cleaning and floor steaming. Licensed, bonded, insured, and vaccinated. Call Lisa, (336) 207-0770. ANNASARAH'S CLEANING. Excellent references. Trustworthy. Family owned business. Free estimates. (336) 543-3941. MAID-2- SHINE. Excellent ser vice, 15 years experience. Free estimates, excellent references. (336) 338-0223. PAOLA CLEANING SERVICE. Residential & commercial. Insured. (336) 669-5210 CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING Gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com (336) 595-2873

DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411. BLISSFUL ART & FRAMING. SHOP LOCAL! Framing, gifts, graphic design. 4533 Hwy. 220 N., Summerfield. (336) 298-4502.

Your business should be here! Place your classified ad online at

www.nwobserver.com

ELECTRICAL CKH ELECTRIC, LLC. Give us a call for your next residential, commercial, or industrial project. Free estimates, licensed, insured, & BBB accredited. (336) 944-4820. BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC. Got Power? Residential, commercial and solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192. Do you have ELECTRICAL NEEDS? Call Coble Electric LLC at (336) 209-1486.

44 JUNE JUNE - 30, 2021 1717 - 30, 2021

GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership experience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. GREENERTIMES SMALL ENGINE Sales & Service Center. All types sold and repaired; comm./res. 9428 NC Hwy. 65, Stokesdale. (336) 548-9286 or (336) 312-3844. AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIRS. One call fixes all! A+ with BBB. For a free estimate call (336) 643-1184 or (336) 987-0350. CLOCK DOCTOR. Free house calls for sick clocks. (336) 643-9931 or (336) 392-4124. L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE "We get you mowing!" Comm./res., all models. 2103 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Call (336) 298-4314, LandTsmallengineservice.com. FIX YOUR MOWER! Service and repairs. Spring specials. "We do it right." Free pickup & delivery. Call Rick, (336) 501-8681. APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.

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E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, demolition, lot clearing, excavating, bobcat work, etc. (336) 451-1282. ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt, available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035. DTW GRADING & HAULING, INC. Offering a sum of aggregates, including but not limited to: fill dirt, stone, asphalt millings, and crushed concrete. We also offer full bobcat services. Driveways, minor clearing, drainage solutions and snow removal. Daniel Wilson, (336) 339-0212. TRACTOR WORK. Garden prep, loader work, brush hogging, core aeration, finish grading, mowing, etc. Call or text (336) 908-0890. BRAD'S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC. Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647

GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. HILL LAWNCARE & OUTDOOR SERVICES. Free est. Call (336) 669-5448. WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Lawn maint., landscaping. Irrigation/ landscape contractor. Hardscaping & landscape lighting. 26 years exp. (336) 399-7764. ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. (336) 643-9157. ATCHISON LAWNCARE. Honest, dependable, local. Mike Atchison, owner. (336) 486-9837. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic./Ins. 40+ years experience. All phases of tree work. Lots & natural area thinning and cleanup. Large shrubbery jobs, chipping. Oak Ridge. Call (336) 643-1119. Hire a local with references.

GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150. .The

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GUTTERS / SIDING / WINDOWS WILSON SEAMLESS GUTTERS, new construction, repairs, replacement, leaf guards. Free estimates. (336) 420-0200 S&M SEAMLESS GUTTERS. Install new gutters. Repair and clean old gutters. Free estimates. Fully insured. (336) 587-8223 or (336) 709-5944.

The Northwest Observer •Observer Totally local since 1996 The Northwest • Totally local since 1996

Residential & Commercial Mowing • Trimming • Overseeding Fertilizing • Plugging Pine needle distribution • HOA

(336) 362-5860

www.colfaxlawncare.com

AQUA SYSTEMS IRRIGATION. Quality irrigation systems. NC licensed contractor. We service all systems. Free est. (336) 644-1174. EXTERIOR GREENSCAPES. Lawn maintenance service. Call for a free estimate (336) 682-1456.

 HOME SERVICES

DELIMA LAWNCARE. Commercial & Residential. Free estimates. (336) 669-5210.

JUNK & DEBRIS REMOVAL, construction, remodeling, and general cleanup, outbuildings, garages, basements, yard waste, etc. Also can haul mulch. Call (336) 706-8470.

FREEMAN PLUMBING – new construction, remodel and repair. For ALL your plumbing needs! (336) 580-4525.

KEITH SMITH CONSTRUCTION. N.C. General Contractor with 30 years experience. Specializing in new homes, room additions, kitchens & baths, garages, decks, vinyl siding and windows, painting, tile, laminate and vinyl plank, and remodeling of all kinds. Quality for the Right Price. Free est. Call (336) 362-7469.

D S L DRAIN SYSTEMS & LANDSCAPING. Complete lawn service & drain systems. Mowing, pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, fertilization, trimming and more. Also providing drain systems solutions. (336) 362-4354.

COX POOL SERVICE. Openings, closings, routine maintenance, weekly service. No contracts, free estimates! (336) 327-5122.

ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981.

PAINTING & DRYWALL

SOUTHERN CUTZ LAWN CARE, oﬀering complete lawn maintenance services & bush hogging. Nathan Adkins, (336) 430-6086.

(336) 931-0600

ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.

BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners

BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed

MASONRY SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs. MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone concrete & repairs. Free est. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. COLONIAL MASONRY. 40 yrs. exp. Specializing in outdoor living spaces; dry-stack natural stone and flagstone. Let us help you plan your patio, fire pit, fireplace, kitchen – or anything else you would like! Call (336) 949-9019. www.colonialmasonry.com. NEW PHASE CONCRETE. Here for all your decorative concrete needs. Specializing in decorative stamp, stained, epoxy and all other concrete poured finishes as well. Also offering refurbishment of existing stamped concrete. Make your existing stamped look like new again! (336) 399-1474 or (336) 595-4654.

MISC. HOME SERVICES/PRODUCTS ON EAGLE'S WINGS residential home design/drafting. Call Patti, (336) 605-0519.

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, 40 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. Average BDRM walls $100. Insured. Call Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186. STILL PERFECTION PAINTING. Reliable, skilled, aﬀordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. LAWSON'S PAINTING. Custom decks, pressure washing, boat docks, block ﬁll, wood repair, stain work, textured ceilings, sheetrock repair. Call (336) 253-9089. CARLOS & SON PAINTING. Interior and exterior. 24 hours/7 days a week. Free estimates, licensed/insured. (336) 669-5210.

PLUMBING BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR. No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic./ Ins. Cleanliness in your home is our #1 priority. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924. WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info.

PLACE YOUR AD: nwobserver.com

Wilson Ain’t God Good Septic Pumping & Repair Family owned & operated since 1972

(336) 643-6427

Tank pumping, repairs, clogs, advice – ALL WITH A SMILE! Discounts: mention this ad, veteran, senior citizen, cookies & milk Find us on Google, neighborhood.com, FB

PRESSURE WASHING HOUSE and ROOF SOFT WASHING. Martin's Pressure Washing. (919) 931-0856. PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com or (336) 595-2873. CUTTING EDGE PRESSURE WASHING Aﬀordable, dependable. Please call anytime for free estimate. (336) 706-0103.

REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION

Of The Triad

The Bathroom of Your Dreams in as Little as a Day

(336) 497-0765 NCGC License #84330

www.BathPlanetTriad.com BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, dock work, siding, windows, rooﬁng, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 41 yrs. exp. (336) 362-6343. RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project.

TheObserver Northwest•Observer • Totally The Northwest Totally local sincelocal 1996since 1996

Your HOME SERVICES company should be here!

Place your classiﬁed ad online at

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DOUGLAS CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, LLC. Custom Builder, sunrooms, garages, additions, kitchens baths. Licensed & Insured, BBB A+ accredited. Free est.. Visit www.douglascr.com or call (336) 413-5050. JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981. PAINTING, DECKS AND MORE. Call Premier Construction for free estimates. (336) 430-9507. AMERICAN BUILDER CONSTRUCTION. Repairs & remodeling, kitchens/baths, additions, decks, attics, basements. Licensed & insured. Short wait list. NC General Contractors. (336) 225-7478.

Services TM Construction , INC

BUILDING | RENOVATIONS | ADDITIONS

Bathroom and kitchen

(336) 644-8615 office (336) 508-5242 cell Licensed & insured NC Gen. Contractor #72797

continued on p. 46

JUNE 17 17 - 30, 2021 JUNE - 30, 2021

 HOME SERVICES

 MISC. FOR SALE

 REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

LA-Z-BOY SOFA FOR SALE. Like new. $350. Please call (336) 643-3015.

HOMES FOR SALE

CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC. 40 + years experience. (336) 643-8191. PREMIER ROOFING. Commercial/residential. Providing service for all of your roofing needs. Locally owned. Please call (336) 430-9507 for free assessments. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION. Lifetime shingle and metal roofing. We fi nance. Free Estimates. Since 1979. Please call (336) 362-6343. RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A, and listed with Angie's List. Call (336) 944- 6118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. DUSTIN CLINARD ROOFING. Shingles, metal, and leak repairs. Call (336) 268-1908.

locally owned & operated 6705 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale

(336) 643-9963 (affiliated with Stokesdale Storage)

PIANO LESSONS, all ages and levels, Summerﬁeld area. Patti, (336) 298-4181. PORTABLE WELDING SERVICE. Welding & fabrication services. Call (336) 908-6906.

NORTHWEST SCHOOLS

 MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH for your junk / wrecked vehicle. For quote, call (336) 552-0328. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, tillers, generators, power washers, go-carts, mini-bikes, 4-wheelers, ATVs, golf carts, and yard equipment. (336) 689-4167.

 PETS & ANIMAL SVCS. WENDY COLLINS PET SITTING LLC. Certiﬁed, bonded & insured. (336) 339-6845. wendycollinspetsitting.com.

 REAL ESTATE LAND FOR SALE 2 LARGE TRACTS, 12+ acres each. Can be combined to make 1 tract of 25 acres. Wooded, serene and quiet. Summerﬁeld area, Rockingham County taxes. These are awesome tracts with large running creeks. Absolute Paradise! Call (336) 430-9507.

 MISC. SERVICES

COMING SOON

HOMESITE. 6108 Gwynedd Rd., Summerﬁeld. 1.3 acres. Perked for 4 BR. Stunning home presentation. Info on site. $85,000. (336) 643-7071. NEW EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT. Bring your own custom builder. Pre-development discount oﬀering for a limited time. Beautiful 1+ acre homesites, wooded and open. Call for appt. to see your new homesite. (336) 430-9507. Anytime!

7600 Timberline Drive, Greensboro

4529 Fence Drive, Greensboro $450,000 Calling all car buffs or those needing a place to store your RV in a 30x50 detached garage. Amazingly well kept one-owner home with No HOA!

.84-acre corner lot in quiet neighborhood. Wrap-around porch, large driveway, open floor plan, HW floors throughout, walk-in basement. Custom-built & maintained by builder/homeowner w/ cathedral ceilings, custom staircase, solid-surface counters, built-in storage cabinets & beds (can be removed). Metal roof, water heater (2019), gas log FP, well water. New kitchen appliances. County approved to add 50x40 garage. No HOA dues! $348,800

DeDe Cunningham

Phillip Stone

REALTOR®/Broker NC Licensed Contractor

(336) 643-4248

(336) 509-1923 dedesrealestategroup.com dedecunningham@kw.com

PhillipStone84@gmail.com www.ANewDawnRealty.com

35 PICTURESQUE ACRES

238 Lula Road, Madison

35 acres with a view of Sauratown Mountain Range. Lula Rd. is a state-maintained gravel road and is on the agenda to be paved. Lula Rd. dead-ends and runs through the property, creating road frontage on both sides (approx. 1,098 ft. on each side). Gently rolling terrain. Mobile home with well and septic overlooks large pond. Located in the Huntsville community; under 3 miles to Carolina Marina. Would make excellent single-family homesite or development. $350,000

OAK RIDGE HOME FOR SALE

6614 Ashton Park Drive, Oak Ridge Stately, brick exterior with mostly level yard. Mature landscaping and secluded backyard. Covered front porch and huge back deck. 28 x 25 side entry garage & additional parking for RV. HW floors on main level. Mainlevel master suite. Den & living room open to one another, creating feel of large great room. 2 additional BR’s upstairs, 2 other flex space rooms and large bonus room.Gas heating & central air (replaced in 2018-2019). $429,500

Phillip Stone

(336) 643-4248

PhillipStone84@gmail.com www.ANewDawnRealty.com

WE’LL BE BACK IN PRINT THURSDAY, JULY 1 To place a DISPLAY AD in our next issue or a future issue, contact Laura: (336) 644-7035, ext. 11, or advertising@nwobserver.com

To place a CLASSIFIED AD:

Visit www.nwobserver.com | Contact Rene': (336) 644-7035, ext. 10, or classifieds@nwobserver.com

46 JUNE - 30, 2021 46 JUNE 1717 - 30, 2021

The Northwest Observer •Observer Totally local since 1996 The Northwest • Totally local since 1996

 REAL ESTATE

HOMES FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

WALRAVEN SIGNATURE HOMES CUSTOM BUILD

407 N 2nd Ave., Mayodan, NC 27027

Endless possibilities. Building structured for five tenants. Unit A: 3,500+ sq. ft. (previous rent $975); unit B: 3,000+ sq. ft. (current rent $650); unit C: 500+ sq. ft. turn key office (previous rent $650); lower-level units: D and lumber yard, 3,500+ sq. ft. (prev. rent $975); Unit E: 3,500+ sq. ft. Entire property has been rented for $3,250. Natural gas, city water and sewer. Gated access, large parking/storage area, covered shelters. Small rental house included. $269,000

Phillip Stone

5702 Grey Wind Court, Oak Ridge

4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 3-car garage, screened porch, oversized great room and bonus room. $840,000

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

Jake Letterman

(336) 643-4248

DON MILLS BUILDERS CUSTOM BUILD

5700 Grey Wind Court, Oak Ridge

Nancy J. Hess

nancy.hess@bhhsyostandlittle.com (336) 215-1820

Jake Letterman

jake.letterman@bhhsyostandlittle.com

(336) 338-0136

1616 NC 68 North

index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS ACCOUNTING

By the Book Accounting ..................... 15 Carlotta Lytton, CPA...........................36 Kimberly Thacker Accounting.............36 Samuel K. Anders, CPA, MSA, PC...... 16

AUTOMOTIVE SALES / SERVICE

Beamer Tire & Auto ........................... 41 EuroHaus ........................................... 43 Piedmont Truck Tires.......................... 19 Tire Max ............................................... 2

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INSURANCE

COMMUNITY NEWS

LEGAL SERVICES

DENTAL SERVICES

MEDICAL CARE

Oak Ridge Chiropractic ...................... 10 GTCC .................................................35 Summerfield Fire Department .............. 7 Summerfield Family Dentistry .............33

EVENTS

Wilson Septic & Pumping ...................45 Gladwell Insurance Agency .................. 9 Barbour & Williams Law ..................... 12 LeBauer HealthCare........................... 42 Wake Forest Baptist Health ................ 37 Wake Forest – Summerfield ................20

BANK

Fidelity Bank ......................................... 5

Adoption Car Wash Fundraiser ............. 4 Summerfield Music in the Park ............. 8 Welcome Summer Festival.................. 14

ORTHODONTIC CARE

BUILDING / REMODELING

FUNERAL SERVICES

PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS

Bath Planet ........................................ 45 Disney Construction Company............ 25 Don Mills Builders ............................... 21 Friddle & Company, Inc. ..................... 27 Johnson & Lee, LLC............................ 24 Naylor Custom Homes .......................23 Old School Home Repair ....................44 R&K Custom Homes ..........................29 Ray Bullins Construction .....................23 RS Dezern Construction .....................22 TM Construction Services ...................45 Walraven Signature Homes ................22

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large family room and back porch. Still time to add your unique touches. $899,000

jake.letterman@bhhsyostandlittle.com

PhillipStone84@gmail.com www.ANewDawnRealty.com

 REAL ESTATE

Guardian Ad Litem ............................. 31

Forbis & Dick Funeral Services ............ 15

GROCERIES / SUPPLIES

Southern Foods ..................................40

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elvis Mendoza In-Home Massage.......36

HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Olmsted Orthodontics ........................30 Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................36 Northwest Animal Hospital ................. 14

REAL ESTATE

A New Dawn Realty ...............15, 46, 47 DeDe Cunningham, Keller Williams ....46 Nancy Hess, Berkshire Hathaway ....... 47 Nicole Gillespie, RE/MAX ...................28 Ramilya Siegel, Keller Williams ........... 18 Smith Marketing, Allen Tate Realtors..23

BEK Paint Company ........................... 45 Carpets by Direct ................................ 39 Colfax Lawn Care ...............................44 Eanes Heating & Air ............................. 3 VINEYARD / WINERY / VENUE New Garden Landscaping & Nursery .. 18 Autumn Creek Vineyards ...................... 6 Rymack Storage .................................46 YOUTH SPORTS / CAMPS Scott’s Tractor & Equipment ............... 11 Oak Ridge Youth Association .............34 TheObserver Northwest•Observer • Totally Northwest local sincelocal 1996since 1996 StokesdaleThe Heating & Air.................... 26 Totally Operation Xcel ................................... 13

OAK RIDGE

Furnished and unfurnished offices for rent on upper floor of two-story building located on 6 wooded acres in Oak Ridge’s commercial core district. $700 to $1,100 monthly rent per office includes all utilities and WiFi as well as shared use of professionally decorated conference/sunroom and large kitchen with appliances. Formerly a residence, the building was converted for commercial use in 2008 and has since been the home of PS Communications, which partially occupies the building. For more information or to view available offices for rent, call Patti Stokes (336) 340-3763 JUNE 17 17 - 30, 2021 JUNE - 30, 2021

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Postal Patron

Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22

PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035

ECRWSS

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Northwest Observer / June 17 - 30, 2021

Articles inside

Classifi eds

Crime/Incident Report

Ask The Builder

Business/Real Estate news/briefs ..................22

Grins and Gripes

Soccer coach becomes athletic director

News in brief

NWO Business & Real Estate

Rules to allow higher-density housing

Summerfi eld Town Council meeting